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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He felt her stir beside him and his eyelids fluttered open, watching her wake up. She yawned and stretched, brushing against him, and instantly froze. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her, wondering what was going on, when a foot planted itself in his midsection, pushing him out of the bed. He hit the floor with a thud, yelping as the cold wood hit his bare skin. He jumped up, dancing from one foot to the other on the freezing surface as Lina let loose a scream and a barrage of spells. A gasp escaped him as he desperately cast spells to contain and dissipate hers, hoping that she would calm down quickly. he shouted, whirling about naked. It's just me!

she said, pulling the sheet up to her neck and blinking at him.

He grabbed the nearest thing he could find and covered his groin with it, blushing furiously. Good morning to you, too, he said archly, reaching down and slipping on some woolen socks.

Lina looked at him and snorted, eyes beginning to water, and then broke out into raucous laughter. Good morning, Xellos! she guffawed, slapping the mattress with her free hand.

Xellos frowned and looked at her, putting a hand on his hip. What's so funny? he asked sharply. The first thing you do upon waking is kick me, nearly unmanning me, and then you laugh about it?

I didn't mean to kick you, or hurt you, she giggled, cheeks rosy. I'm sorry, really.

Why? What did I do?

You didn't do anything, she snickered in between chuckles. I just didn't recognize you at first, and didn't want some naked stranger in my bed.

You've known me for years! How could you not recognize me?

Lina collapsed backwards, still laughing. I'm sorry, I don't wake up well, she chortled.

He exhaled sharply, suppressing the desire to stamp his foot. What's so funny?


She shook her head and wiped her eyes, still quivering with laughter. It's just perfect, she replied. You standing there, obviously peeved, wearing nothing but wool socks and a dinner plate.

Xellos looked down, apprehension scrawled across his features, and saw that what she said was true. He must have cut a ridiculous figure. You want to laugh? he said, raising an eyebrow, his eyes glittering dangerously. I'll make you laugh.

What are you doing? she gasped, backpedaling to the corner of the mattress and pulling the covers all the way up to her eyes.

You'll wish I had stuck with the dinner plate, he growled, setting the dish down and using all his strength to jump onto the bed. She squealed and tried to move away, but he ripped the sheet off of her and tackled her, tickling her ribs, stomach, and anywhere else his fingers found. Her whole body shook as she laughed uncontrollably, her mirth mingling with his as he attacked her. Are you sorry you laughed? he chortled. Are you sorry?

Yes, yes! she cried, giggling. I'm sorry.

You're what? he said loudly, pretending not to hear.

I'm sorry! she shouted, squealing as he renewed his efforts. Finally he gave up tormenting her and collapsed onto the bed next to her, closing his eyes and smiling. That's more like it, she said.

That's my line, he replied.

She sighed and crawled over him, immediately dressing. Well, I've played around too much, she grumbled, the cadence of her voice still happy.

he replied grudgingly. Sure, he had finally something worth being human for and she had to up and leave.

I'll be back this evening, she explained, pulling on her boots.

He pulled the sheets up around him. Is there anything in particular I should be doing?

She shook her head as she pulled on her winter cloak. Not today. I'll be bringing home some books for you to look at, though. They're not written in languages I can read.

I'll await your return, then, he replied. Do be careful, Miss Lina.

She shot him a smile and opened the door. I will, she murmured, and then was gone.

He woke up after nightfall, growling at himself for his laziness. He supposed it was normal to sleep an entire day away after being ill, but he still hadn't wanted to be abed all day. He wanted to tidy up a bit and perhaps tinker with some cooking, since neither were Lina's strong suits. Instead, however, he opted for a bath. He wrapped his winter cloak around him and stepped into the snowy night air, shivering as she approached the water's edge. One well-placed fireball later he was soaking in the water, sighing as his muscles relaxed. He still felt tired after the trauma of the previous days and the night before's activity, but at least it was over and he could work on rebuilding his strength. He splashed water with his fingers, gazing up at the dark, snow-filled sky. It wasn't as thrilling as being a Monster, but he supposed he could get used to being human, especially if he was with Lina. He didn't really know how he had managed to seduce her the night before, but he found himself wishing desperately he could do so again. He wouldn't want to have her tire of him, though. If he had his way he would take her and make love to her until dawn, but he wanted it to be her decision. After all, she cared more how she spent her time than he did.

He was still musing on the night before when he saw the lights in the cabin go on. Lina had come home. He heard his name being called and a grin spread across his face. Casting a quick wind spell, he created a sphere and encased himself in it, lying flat on the bottom of the pond. The water had already cooled significantly, and so she shouldn't notice the temperature change. Still, he wasn't sure she wanted to be around a constantly-naked man and wished briefly that he was wearing something, but it couldn't be helped. Besides, who knew what would happen. Lina was unpredictable, for the most part. He still had a pretty good feeling that she would be along at any minute, once she didn't find him inside.


he heard again, the sound muffled by the water, and he held perfectly motionless, barely daring to breathe inside his bubble. A spell was launched, heating the water up significantly. A few moments later a set of pale toes broke the surface of the pond and she slid the length of her body into the water. He let himself drift toward her, finally dissolving the bubble when he was only a few inches from her. Slowly rising from the water, he snuck up behind her.

Lovely weather we're having, he murmured into her ear.

Lina shrieked and whirled around, fists flying. He barely managed to dodge a punch and laughed madly, drifting to the opposite side of the pond. she growled. You scared me half to death!

He held up his hands, hoping she didn't decide to just blast him then and there. I'm sorry, he said. I just couldn't resist. Besides, you would have done the same if you were in my shoes.

she said with a snort, covering herself with her arms.

He shook his head and sighed. Would you like some tea? he asked, pushing over to the shore nearest the cabin.

she said, looking away with a blush as he crawled out of the water and quickly threw on his cloak.

He reappeared a few moments later with a tray, which he set upon a rock before sliding back into the water. He waded over to her and handed her a cup, pouring her tea carefully. he asked, offering her a bowl. She raised her eyebrow and took some, immediately setting the cup down. Something wrong? he asked, stirring his own tea.

What did you put in it? she asked, glowering at him.

He cocked his head. Nothing, I assure you, he said, leaning against the stones and sipping from his cup.

Are you sure?

Of course, he replied, watching as her eyes traced his chest. Some sort of thoughts were running through her head, and he would have paid to know what they were.

she said, drinking her tea in silence, keeping her eyes on him the entire time.

He sighed, a little put off by her distrust. Oh sure, he had done some questionable things in the past, but he had been a human for several months now, and she should have known better. So, how was your day? he asked, moving closer to her and studying her face.

It was fine, she muttered.

Would you like me to scrub your back?

She examined him for a moment, then sighed. Why not. Go for it.

Turn around, he said, producing a cloth. She looked over her shoulder at him, but did what she asked, arms still clasped across her chest. He took the cloth and began washing her, his strong hands applying just the right amount of pressure. She sighed and leaned into his touch as he traced the groove of her spine and lovingly followed the curve of her shoulder blade. he asked, and she nodded. He smiled and closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning his head against her back. His cheek pressed against the warm, bare skin of her shoulder blade, his breath stirring the water that was only a fraction below his lips. He held her like that for a long time, feeling as if she were the only rock he had to cling to in the tumultuous ocean of life. Life was hard, very hard, and he even had someone like her to comfort him. Being mortal was so different, so lonely, compared to being a Monster. As a Monster he had a constant connection with the entire astral plane, always aware of the others moving about upon it, but there was no such sensation as a human. Each mortal was trapped into his or her body, disconnected, for the most part, from the rest of the world. It was so very lonely. His body trembled and he clenched his jaw, cleaving to her as if it was the end of the world.

She turned in his embrace and pressed his head to her chest, slowly stroking his hair and not saying a word. He squeezed her tightly and relaxed, listening to the beating of her heart. The steady expansion and contraction of her ribs as she breathed comforted him somewhat. After a few moments he felt somewhat stronger and gently released her, moving through the warm water to sit on the rock ledge at the edge of the pond. She disappeared beneath the surface for a second and reappeared next to him, her eyes only shadows in the snow-filled night. He shivered as the snowflakes fell upon his wet hair, sitting lower in the water to stay warm. Floating over, Lina put her hands on his knees, looking into his face. It isn't so bad, is it? she whispered. Being human?

It used to be worse, he murmured. But it will never be the same.

Some things shouldn't stay the same, she breathed. Life is about change, even for an immortal.

He held his breath as her slippery body slid into his lap, her arms snaking around his neck. She buried her hand in the thick hair at the back of his head and pulled his face to her, sucking on his lower lip. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, gingerly putting his hands on her hips as she wrapped her legs around him. He could feel her pressed against his pelvis and began to react, clenching his jaw against her kiss. Her hair hung around them like a wet curtain, curling over his shoulders and chest as she moved her mouth to underneath his ear. Her water-slickened fingers traced the taut lines of his chest, her palms moving over his hardened nipples. His grip on her tightened and she reached between his legs and gripped him, eliciting a moan from deep in his chest. He leaned his head back and rested it on the snowy edge of the pond, breathing rapidly. She braced herself on his chest and leaned forward, running the tip of her tongue over his Adams apple. Reaching down, she unwrapped his arms from her waist and slowly took his hands, raising them and placing them on her breasts. She put her hands on top of his and pressed them to her, kissing him and sliding her tongue into his mouth. He smiled gently around the kiss as he realized that it was her turn to seduce him. He began to move his hands on her body, wondering if this was what it meant to be a mortal man. As far as he could see, there really wasn't much of a difference between mortal men and women other than their bodies, unless it was a difference that the human race decided to create. Still, if this was what it meant to be a human man, he was fine with it.

She must have had enough of her game, because as he mused she lifted her hips above him and drove herself downward. He sat up stiffly with a cry as she drove him to the hilt. His whole body seemed heavy with heat and he sank down lower into the water, his mouth barely above the surface. She gripped his shoulders tightly and sighed as she swiveled her hips slightly. He nearly choked on the water as she began to move on top of him, his conscious thoughts melting away as his entire attention became focused on what was happening between their bodies. Why did this particular woman have such an effect on him? He knew that even if they had done this when he was still a Monster it would have been different than with the others. She ripped a cry out of his chest as she ground against him and it was all he could do just to hold onto her hips beneath the water. She gasped against him, her breath warm where she pressed her cheek to his temple, and increased the tempo, a soft sound coming out of her with every movement. He exhaled sharply as he finished, holding her hips against him tightly as she thrust them forward and followed his lead, falling against him and resting her forehead on his shoulder. Lina panted there for a minute or two, then pushed herself away from him, floating lazily through the water. He put his hands to his face and rubbed his skin, not entirely sure of what had just happened. She was a strange one, that Lina Inverse. Xellos was wondering if she had just used him for her own comforting, and for the first time it occurred to him that there might be more to this little hiatus of hers.

As he sat against the edge of the pond, the water cooling around him and the last ripples of lovemaking euphoria fading, he wondered what her true objective on this journey was. She had needed him to aid in finding the libraries and would have him translating things for her shortly. The fact that she would take for granted that he would simply do her bidding and that she would just allow him free access to whatever it was she was looking for rankled a bit. He was still stronger than she was, and perhaps she wasn't showing his power the proper respect. Sighing, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the sharp contrast of the cold snowflakes and warm water. Well, he wasn't about to make her fear him. He wasn't interested in losing whatever it was he had at the moment. Still, there was something more to this than her research. He knew, for example, that there had been something going on between her and the blonde swordsman. The thought of Gourry made something sharp and angry rise in the depths of him, and he realized that Lina must have been sleeping with the man. Not that bothered him now, particularly. She was his, for the moment, by her choice. Still, he had smelled the swordsman on her in the past, and he wondered why she had left him. He was happy for it, but it didn't make sense. He narrowed his eyes as he watched Lina crawl out of the pond and make a mad dash for the cabin. A lot of things about her situation didn't make sense. Had she really loved Gourry, and if so, why did she leave him? Even more interesting was the question of why she was making love to him if she did still love the large blonde. And what was she searching for up there in the mountains? What knowledge lay in the Library that she needed to leave all she cared about behind? Sighing, he waded over to where the tea implements from earlier sat and climbed out of the pond, desperately wrapping his cloak around him and trotting to the cabin. He didn't have the answers now, but he would, by all that the world held sacred, he would.

After supper, which had come late, Lina immediately retired, climbing into the large bed and curling up. He cleaned up and readied the fire for the duration of the evening, slowly moving about and putting things in their place. Honestly, Lina was so untidy. Oh well, he supposed there were worse things to be, and it wasn't like he really had anything else to do. He was ready to retire himself when he realized that he didn't know where he was supposed to sleep. The bed looked much more comfortable than the cot, but Lina was already there. Even after the hijinks of the past two nights, he wasn't sure if it wouldn't be presumptuous of him to just crawl in next to her. Well, she had initiated that particular evening's entertainment, even if she hadn't said a word to him throughout dinner. In fact, she seemed rather embarrassed about the whole thing. Perhaps he was better off sleeping in the cot. Still, the bed was much cozier, and it would be warmer as well. He knew how much Lina hated the cold. Well, he would give the bed a shot. He made sure the drawstring of his sleeping pants was well-tied and began to lower himself onto the mattress. Oh, no you don't, she growled, eyes still closed.

Well, so much for that plan. He rose and shuffled over to the cot, arranging the blankets to the optimum softness, and settled down for the night. He thought, right before sleep claimed him, what a confusing beast Lina was, and then dropped off to dream about her.