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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I still can't get it open! she shouted several hours later. They had dressed, eaten, and were currently trying to find a way to get out of the cabin. The snow was so deep and so heavily pressed against the doors that there was no way to open them. Who the hell builds a house where the doors swing outward? Lina cried, pounding her fist against the door.
This isn't a particularly well-crafted cabin, Xellos offered, shouldering the back door. At this point in time it might be better to try to get out the window.
I am going through the damn door! Lina bellowed, readying a spell. Xellos gasped and dashed across the room, tackling her onto the bed.
Xellos said sharply. If you cast that in here you'll destroy everything!
I don't care, just get me out of this place! she screeched, struggling against him.
He pinned her down by the shoulders and looked down into her face. Calm down, he said sternly. We'll get out of here.
What do you think you're doing? she hissed, gripping his wrists angrily.
He smiled and leaned down, kissing her gently. She sighed as he sucked on her lower lip, removing his hands from her shoulders and placing them on her waist, letting his body weight pin her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, and finally she was calm enough that he felt comfortable setting her free. Don't worry, Lina dearest, he murmured, tenderly clearing the bangs from her forehead. I'll just take the doors off of the hinges and we can make our paths form there.
she growled haltingly, sitting up when he moved off of her. But make it quick.
He turned his back to her and sighed, silently rolling his eyes. Oh well, that was Lina for you. I'll do my best, he muttered, and rummaged through some drawers until he found some suitable tools. In a few moments he had the front door off and they were staring at a wall of snow.
It's my turn, now, she said with evil glee, and before he could stop her she had cast a Flare Arrow and melted a huge path in the snow. She brushed her hands off on one another with a clapping noise and put them on her hips. How's that?
Very effective, Xellos said. We're lucky no one lives across the road or you would have taken out their home. That goes for travelers, too.
Oh, shut up, she snapped. It worked out fine, didn't it?
he agreed. But you never think about the consequences of your actions.
She grunted and turned away from him. she said angrily, flopping down on the bed with a book.
Xellos sighed and put the front door back on before moving to the rear of the house. When confronted with a wall of snow, he simply cast a fire spell a few feet in front of him and walked forward, creating a neat, clean path to the pond, which had frozen and was buried under several feet of snow. In no time at all he had created walkways to the shed and other outbuildings as well, freezing the walls of the paths to keep them sturdy. The last thing he needed was for the walls to come down on Lina when she was walking around. He melted the pond last, which took a lot more time, considering he wanted it heated as well. He sorely needed a bath, and wondered how Lina could stand to be around him. That was one awful side effect of being mortal- it was possible to smell just awful. Water's ready, if you'd like to bathe, he said, coming inside and beginning to put on the back door.
Lina perked up immediately, tossing the book on the floor. she said, stripping rapidly and throwing on her robe. She shoved him and the door aside and rocketed to the pond. Are you joining me? she shouted.
He sighed and rubbed his temple. In a moment, he called back, finishing putting the door back on. He went over to the bed and folded her clothes, then picked up the book she had discarded. He'd be happy when they were back on the road again. He wouldn't have to pick up after her nearly as much. Undressing, he placed his folded clothes next to hers and wrapped his cloak around him. He wandered out to the pond and slipped into the water next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders and kissing her on the temple.
This is great, Lina purred, sinking underneath the steaming water up to her chin. I was getting really ripe.
Xellos replied without thinking.
Are you telling me I smelled? she growled.
He looked at her with alarm, then let an evil smile crawl over his face. Yes. You had the most awful, detestable smell I have ever had the misfortune to experience.
Lina's face went beet red and she narrowed her eyes angrily. she hissed flatly.
He nodded. In fact, you still smell that way, he added, his grin widening. I think I should rub that smell right off of you. With that he pounced on Lina, dragging her under the water and tickling her madly.
she screamed, giggling.
Oh, you're still stinky, he growled, running his hands all over her body. She squealed and batted at him, then they fell into an embrace. He closed his eyes and pressed himself to her, then kissed her on the neck and took a step back, disappearing under the water. It really does feel good to be clean again, he said with a sigh.
Lina agreed, blowing bubbles under the water.
We'll need to make a trip to town soon, Xellos said, leaning against the stones at the side of the pond. We're almost out of provisions.
How long can we last? I'd like to go back up to the Library tomorrow.
Xellos frowned and counted things off on his fingers. Well, I could last another few weeks or so, but I think for you we only have a couple of days' worth.
I HATE the winter, Lina growled. You can't get fresh anything to save your life. See, this is why I don't live in cold places.
If I was still a Monster I'd just teleport to one of the southern ports and get some delectable goodies for us, he mused.
He felt her hand grip his under the water. It doesn't matter, really, she said, her face graced with a rare expression of earnestness. I'm glad you're not a Monster anymore.
He smiled softly at her, putting an arm around her and pulling her close. Thank you, he replied.
