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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As the months went by he wondered how different things would have been if he had stayed a Monster. Suppose that Orkalym and Anemony had never shown up, for instance. Would Lina have left Gourry anyway? If so, would she have accepted him? Perhaps once or twice, as a lover, but never on the levels she did at present. Was this what Gourry had felt when he was around her? His thoughts traveled to the swordsman for the first time, wondering what he was doing. Had Lina's departure broken his heart? Xellos knew it would break his if she left, and that thought frightened him. He had barely become used to having a real heart and couldn't fathom it being broken. Not liking the feeling of melancholy that was passing over him, he looked outside and paused in his cooking. The winter had passed and buds were starting to appear on the trees. The grass was already green again, and Lina was actually coming home before dark. Soon it would be time to move on and see how things went in the wider world. It was one thing to be with Lina in the solitude of their own home, but he wondered how she would treat him once they were in public. Once again, his thoughts turned to Gourry. She had usually treated Gourry very poorly in public, disavowing any intimate connection with him. He wondered if she would do the same thing to him. Perhaps not; he was a different man than Gourry was, and he was certain Lina was different with him as well. There was really no point in worrying about it. He had learned that humans really couldn't do anything about their situation until the time was upon them.

Lina crowed throwing open the door.

He smiled and set down his knife, taking the heavy bag of books from her. You found more?

she said, rubbing her shoulder. And they're heavy! A few of them might be in dragon, but I couldn't tell.

If they are then I can't read them, he said, placing the bag neatly on the floor next to the bookshelf.

I know, but I thought you could at least give it a shot, she grumbled. Oh, that was such a long walk!

Well, you're nearly done with the Library, aren't you? he asked, putting his arms around her.

She leaned into his embrace, closing her eyes as she rested her head on his chest. Yes, I suppose, she murmured. I'll be glad to get on the road again.

It will feel good, he said, leaning his cheek against her hair.

But you know what? I've really grown fond of this place. It has been a really long time since I had anywhere I called home. It's been sort of nice.

It has been, hasn't it? he murmured. Oh well, there will be plenty of time for making a home later on.

she said, pulling away and grinning up at him, and he mentally patted himself on the back. After all, we're young and need to have some fun. He laughed, shaking his head. She raised an eyebrow, then joined him in laughing. Okay, so I'm young, she amended. For being as old as you are, you look great.

Thank you, Lina dearest, he said. I'm just lucky that my mistress didn't put me into a body my real age. I fear I wouldn't have lasted very long during one of our little sessions.

You wouldn't have even lived to see our little sessions, she chuckled. But you know, Xellos, she's not your mistress anymore. You're a human, and you don't serve anyone or anything unless you want to. You're free.

He cocked his head, considering. I suppose you're right, he said. I'm doing exactly what I want to, and it feels very good.

I like it, too, she replied with a smile. Now hurry up and finish dinner.

He shook his head and reached up, fixing his hair into a better ponytail, the sides still falling in front of his ears. I would have finished already if someone hadn't interrupted me by entering so loudly, he said with a grin.

It's not my fault you can't help but be stunned by the most beautiful, clever sorcery genius ever to walk the planet! she declared, throwing her cape wide open.

He laughed and tossed some more onions into a pan. I suppose it isn't, he agreed, and finished up the meal.

They sat down at the table and Xellos watched as Lina shoved as much food as she could into her mouth. I was thinking, Xellos said slowly, That we could go to the festival in town the day after tomorrow.

Lina stopped her shoveling and looked up at him, noodles hanging down her chin. What kind of festival?

Oh, it's just one that celebrates the arrival of spring and whatnot, he explained with a wave of his hand. It's sort of fancy, and I thought it might be a nice change of pace.

I suppose, she said haltingly. Do I have to wear a dress?

I was sort of hoping you would, he replied.

But I don't have one.

I thought we could go into town tomorrow and have our outfits assembled then. I don't have anything to wear, either. We could leave in the morning, spend the day doing our respective things, and then stay the night in an inn. It would probably be best to go early anyway, since then we can be certain we have a room for the night of the festival.

She shrugged and began eating again. Okay, whatever. I guess it wouldn't kill me to do what someone else wanted to do for once.

Xellos sighed. He wanted her to be excited about the festival, and it was his chance to test the waters on how she felt about him. Well, if you don't want to go then we don't have to. I just thought you might want to, considering that they're serving dragon cuisine, and I know you never got a chance to sample it.

Her eyes went wide and she grinned. He could almost see her eyeballs sparkling at the thought of gourmet food. Dragon cuisine? Well, I suppose it'll be somewhat fun, then. What time do you want to leave?

He smiled, satisfied. I figured I'd pack breakfast tonight and we can get on the road fairly early. I'd like to take the time to find a truly wonderful outfit.

You gotta look your best if you're going to keep up with me, she said with a sigh. I understand.

He blinked, floored, as always, by her arrogance, and started to laugh. It's a date, then, he chortled, and began to eat.

The next day they started out shortly after dawn, still wearing winter cloaks in the early spring chill of morning. Xellos adjusted the heavy leather bag at his hip and gripped his staff firmly as he walked along a few steps behind Lina. The sun shone warmly down upon them, and he found himself whistling tunelessly as birds flitted from tree to tree. They stopped briefly at a farmhouse, visiting the farmer who they were renting the cabin from and giving their regards to the farmer's mother. All in all, the trip seemed brief but pleasant, and they actually arrived in town more refreshed than they had been upon waking.

It feels good to really be able to move about again, Lina sighed, stretching as they made their way towards the market and shops.

It was a long winter, he replied mildly, scanning for an inn. Somehow I found it very bearable.

Hmmm, wonder why, Lina said with a devious smile. Maybe I should live in cold, snowy places more often.

Do you have a preference on where to stay? he asked, still looking about. Some of the townsfolk passing through were giving them odd looks, and he realized that they must seem strange indeed, with him in his black robes that hinted at priesthood, and Lina was very obviously a sorceress.

Lina turned, examining their surroundings. Someplace off the main square, she replied. I don't want to be in the thick of things tomorrow night.

he said, pointing down a side street with his staff. I hear there's a good place down that way.

Then what are we waiting for? she asked, latching onto his arm and tugging him in that direction. Her fingers wound around his, and he wondered if dragging him was only an excuse to hold him in public. Whatever the reason, he let her lead him to an inn.

Once inside, he walked directly to the counter and asked for a room. Two nights, please, he requested politely.

The innkeep nodded. You and your wife in town for the festival? he asked, taking out a locked box and opening it.

Xellos glanced at Lina, wondering if he should correct the man or not. She raised an eyebrow and blushed, but didn't say anything. Xellos replied. We are.

Well, it's a good thing you young ones got here early, the man replied, shuffling through the box of keys. Town will be an absolute zoo tomorrow. What name shall I put this under?

Xellos' eyes widened. He didn't have a last name. He had always been just Xellos. He sent a panicked look at Lina, who stepped forward. Xellos and Lina Inverse will be fine, thank you, she said sharply, glaring at Xellos, who blushed.

The innkeeper eyed them for a few moments, standing silent. You two been together long? he asked.

Er, only a few months, Xellos answered quickly. Since the autumn.

The man behind the counter nodded and pushed a piece of paper at him, handing him a pen. Congratulations. Sign here. You'll also have to put down a damage deposit. Not that I don't trust people, but things tend to get rowdy during the festival.

I understand, Xellos replied, and picked up the pen.

Lina leaned over his shoulder, reading and snatched the paper away before he could sign anything. This is nuts! she said, brandishing the paper at the innkeep. You expect us to pay this for only two nights' stay? What do you make your furniture out of, solid gold?

Oh, Lina dear, please, Xellos said, motioning with his hands.

This is crazy, Xellos! Lina snapped, pointing violently at the paper. No one should pay this much for a room, ever!

I'm sure the man has his reasons, Xellos said gently, trying to find a way to weasel the paper out of her hands.

Hell no, Lina said, slamming the paper down on the counter. Strike the price by a third and you'll have a deal.

But you'll get most of the sum back upon checking out, provided the room is undamaged, the innkeeper stammered.

I don't care. You cut us some slack or I'll tell everyone that you run a disease-infested establishment!

Xellos protested, brow wrinkled with alarm.

You stay out of this, she hissed at him.

Feisty wife you've got there, the innkeep said to him. Lots of spunk. Best of luck to you.

Thank you, Xellos said dejectedly.

About that price cut? Lina reminded the innkeep, her voice taking on a dangerous tone.

Xellos sighed. Sir, I recommend you do what she says. My wife is a highly accomplished sorceress.

I'd like to know why a priest has a wife at all, the innkeep said, becoming testy.

Xellos grinned, turning on every ounce of harmless charm he could muster. I'm afraid I left the order when I met her, he explained. Please, she's very short-tempered.

Who are you calling short-tempered! Lina screeched, pounding her fist on the counter. Am I going to get my good price or not?!

Cut it by a quarter and we'll call it even, Xellos interjected.

An eighth, the innkeep countered.

Hell no! Lina shouted.

A sixth, and that's the highest we'll go, Xellos said firmly, putting on his most disarming smile.

The innkeep sighed. Okay, okay, he muttered, reaching over to the paper and scribbling in some new numbers. Sign here.

Thank you very much,Xellos said brightly, signing the paper with his neat, flowing handwriting.

We want a copy, Lina snapped.

The innkeeper quickly filled out a new form and Xellos signed that one as well. he said with a raised eyebrow.

Thank you! Lina said, her tone of voice not matching the sentiment of her words. Xellos took the key and put it in his pocket as he was towed upstairs by Lina once again. She found their room and entered, examining the paper she held. You have beautiful handwriting, she said, putting the paper down on the table.

Thank you, he murmured, embarrassed at the scene she had caused downstairs.

Xellos Inverse. . .has an interesting ring to it, she muttered. From now on, though, I think we need to find you a last name.

I don't suppose I can use Metallium, he said with a sigh, leaning his staff against the wall and taking off the leather bag.

No, too many people will associate that with the Dark Lords, Lina replied, hand on her chin as she thought. Oh well, I guess Inverse will have to do until we can think of something better. I do sort of like the fact that someone else has my name, though.

Xellos laughed and shook his head. I'm glad it amuses you, he said.

As if Lina Inverse would ever take a husband, she snickered.

You wouldn't? I thought you desperately wanted to be married someday.

I used to, years ago, before Hellmaster and Darkstar. Now, however, I don't think that the ceremony is worth the trouble. I don't want to be owned ever, you know?

Xellos looked down at his gloved hands, remembering the feel of her skin beneath them and wondering what it would be like to be bound to her for the rest of their lives. I think that the man who would want to marry you would understand that you're no possession of his. If he wanted you to marry him, it would be because he loved you.

Lina paused in her perusal of the room and shot him a level look. I am just as capable of loving someone outside of marriage as inside, she replied flatly.

Well, perhaps the man would want to marry you out of simple pride, to let everyone know that of all the men in this world, he was the one that you picked.

She raised an eyebrow and looked at him. What are you saying?

He blushed and glanced out the window. Nothing, I guess, he said softly.

she replied. Because I don't think I can ever choose between you.

He didn't really catch what she said, but let it slide. She obviously wasn't comfortable talking about it, and he wasn't particularly at ease with the conversation either. Still, if she ever wanted him, he was hers. Perhaps it is time to go about our separate business, Lina dearest?

She sighed and turned back to him, a big smile on her face. I think so. I'll meet you back here for dinner, all right?

All right, he said, tucking his money purse inside his belt, and walked out the door.