Instert standard disclaimer here. Everyone should know that I don't own these characters. Also chopped the story up into chapters. Sorry if the transitions are rough. If you want to read it without chapters, head over to vejiitasei.com.
Absolution- Part 1, Chapter 4
by the Prime Minister
Only a few days later Xellos wandered through the halls of the newly-completed bungalow, examining the workmanship. He reached out a gloved hand and ran it over the smooth surface of the wooden wall, nodding in satisfaction. Lecia fussed from her perch on his hip, and he reached around and tickled her under the chin, making her squeal and laugh. Her baby's giggles spread throughout the room and a smile crossed the Monster's face. Yes, this place would do nicely.
I didn't know they had it in them, a silky voice said behind him, and he turned to see Xellas gazing at him.
Nor did I, Xellos replied, But they seem to do well with proper motivation.
Beastmaster shook her head. You can't keep killing them, Xellos.
Why not? You can make more... he thought, then realized with horror that he had spoken aloud. He never made such mistakes; was his human taint making him careless? Forgive me, he said quickly, executing the most graceful bow possible while holding a squirming infant.
A scowl marred Beastmaster's fine features for a moment, then she shook her head. That was once true, Xellos, but we Monsters grow weak. To produce more underlings now diminishes my power, and that cannot be allowed to happen. Next time, if you truly feel the need to kill something, vent your wrath on our enemies, or at least summon creatures from another dimension. The underlings might be stupid, but they have their uses.
Xellos let out a breath he hadn't been aware he was holding and bowed once more. My deepest apologies, Mistress, he murmured.
Xellas snorted and looked around, turning to take in every corner of the room. What's this?
I'm bringing Miss Lina to live here, Xellos explained meekly. I believe that fresh air and sunlight will bolster her constitution. He watched as Xellas wrinkled her nose and squinted, glancing about with an air of distaste. Come to think of it, he rarely saw his mistress leave the comfort of her caverns. For her to make an appearance outside, and in full daylight, was exceedingly rare.
So these will be your new accommodations?
This will be her bedroom, he said with a nod.
Xellas walked over to a window and peered outside at the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore for several moments. And your girl-child will live here as well?
I think it will be healthier for both females, Xellos replied.
Beastmaster continued to watch the waves, her fingers idly stroking the fine wood. Eventually she turned to face him, leaning against the windowsill and crossing her arms over her breasts. I would like you to return to your duties soon, she said in a low voice. Even I cannot see to everything, nor can I stop the others from their gossip. Even banded together they could not defeat you, but they can still cause damage.
Xellos stood silent for a moment, digesting the meaning of her words. he said, voice almost a whisper.
Xellas shoved herself away from the wall and took a few steps toward the middle of the room. Just take care you don't provide them with a reason to believe you a traitor, she murmured, and was gone.
Xellos stood for several moments, idly letting Lecia play with the hem of his cloak as he thought it over. She was right, soon he would have to return to his tasks, but not yet. Lina would need him, and he wouldn't abandon her, not again. If he had the choice, at any rate.
Clearing his throat, he stepped into the parlor, casting about for signs of the underlings. Come out, he said, tones tired, and suddenly the room was full of grotesque, shifting shadows. He reflected again on how repugnant the underlings were, so base as to barely be able to hold a physical form. For a job well done, he said, and granted them just the smallest portion of his power. What was a drop in the bucket for him enabled several of the underlings to take and maintain shape. A few of them began to battle, striving to absorb the other's energy, but he quickly broke things up. Lecia burbled as underlings squeaked in alarm and scuttled to the edges of the room, cowering from Xellos' staff as he summoned it. That's enough, he said smoothly. Now, go and fetch the furniture I requested.
Soon shadows were moving everywhere, scurrying to and fro as furniture began to appear out of nowhere. Moments later everything was in place, even the gauzy cotton curtains at the windows, and Xellos nodded in satisfaction. he muttered, turning his attention to the child in his arms. Isn't it lovely, little one? he cooed. You and Mama will be very happy here.
one of the underlings hissed.
Xellos looked up, eyebrow raised. Oh yes, you may go, he said, watching as they disappeared one by one. When they had gone he reached into his leather satchel and pulled out a length of fabric, quickly wrapping it around his torso so that he could carry his daughter on his back. Let's go get Mama, he whispered, and left the physical plane.
He rematerialized seconds later in his chambers, pursing his lips as he saw Lina's still form in the center of his oversized bed. From where he stood he could see that her eyes were blank, focused on something far away, and her face was stained with trails of tears. Walking over to her side, he sat down on the bed next to her and gently stroked her hair, wishing that his presence would bring her comfort. His Monster's senses were practically overloaded with the despair she felt, but he could take pleasure in none of it. Miss Lina, he whispered, but got no response. How would you like to live by the beach?
Lina's eyes didn't even flicker, instead staying flat and empty.
he said softly, running the backs of his gloved fingers over her cheeks. There was still no reaction. Sighing, he threw the covers off of her and picked her up in his arms, her body as boneless as a rag doll. Lecia made a discontented noise as Xellos' body lurched, hefting Lina into the air. Lina's head lolled to the side, her stare staying wherever it came to rest, and if her body hadn't been warm to the touch, he would have thought her dead. He gathered her close to him, not satisfied until he could feel her heart beating, and looked down into her expressionless, empty face. Gone was the life he had so adored in her when he was human, gone was the spark he had enjoyed as a Monster. The woman in his arms was barely a person, let alone Lina. Had she truly loved Gourry so much? He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to her forehead, leaving them there for long moments. Pain fluttered at the edges of his awareness, and he cursed his deadened emotions once again. Come back to me, Lina, he whispered, and set off for her new abode.
Lecia chortled, as she always did, as they rematerialized on the physical plane. He felt her tiny hands hitting his back as she squirmed and a small smile broke over his face. The expression was short-lived, however, for his features fell as he looked down at Lina. Gently carrying her to the bedroom, he set her down on the large, wrought-iron bed he had procured, carefully covering her up with soft cotton sheets. The sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains and he cleared her hair out of her face. It had been days since she had looked at him and days since she had eaten.
Transferring Lecia to his arms, he looked down at Lina's pale face. Are you hungry? he asked her softly, resting a hand on her shoulder. She did not respond.
Lecia suddenly began to fuss, and he held the baby out at arm's length, examining her. Her little face turned red and she kicked her legs, her round features twisting and her ribcage expanding as she drew an enormous breath. Oh no, little one, don't cry, he said in alarm, quickly rocking her. See, Lina? She must be hungry. This is definitely your daughter; she eats all the time. He smiled and waited, but still there was nothing. Lecia began to cry in earnest, and he took his leave of Lina. Lina, after all, was a grown woman action of her own volition, but he couldn't very well ignore his poor, helpless, human daughter.
He had spent most of the day trying to coax Lecia into crawling, but she seemed intent on walking instead, although the concept still eluded her. She had managed to find mobility by scooting around on her hands and feet rather than hands and knees, and he had found it quite humorous to watch. He kept her off the wooden floors, fearing splinters, instead keeping her on the area rug. Still, she had been a handful and had tired them both out. Xellos was sorely tempted to retreat to the astral plane for a rest, but he didn't feel comfortable leaving his baby and her mother alone if he didn't absolutely have to.
He sighed and started a fire against the chilly night-sea air, throwing a glance at where Lecia lay in her crib, her soft breathing barely audible as she slept. Once the flames in the hearth were going well he went to her side and stared down at her, unable to comprehend how something so tiny and perfect had managed to come from him and Lina. The little girl was a part of him, proof of his existence, and it seemed both strange and wonderful at the same time.
He was still gazing down at the child when a noise caught his attention. It sounded for all the world like glass doors sliding open. He strained to hear, but the sound had stopped. A slight frown twisted his brow, but he dismissed the noise and instead picked up a book, sitting in a chair by the fireplace. He tried to read for a while, but the words kept losing his interest. Something was wrong, he just knew it. Standing, he went over to Lecia's crib, making sure she was still breathing. Everything was normal there. If it wasn't the baby, then what could it be?
Sudden realization hit him like a slap in the face and the book slid to the floor from his limp grasp. He hadn't imagined the noise, he was sure of it. Anxiety gripping his chest, he dashed across the house to Lina's room, flinging the door wide without knocking. The sheets were thrown back off of the bed and the curtains were blowing wildly in the wind coming through the sliding glass doors at the side of the room. The doors, which opened up on the covered porch, were wide open. Fear clutched his being and he launched himself outside, squinting against the sand in the wind. The moment he stepped outside he could tell that a storm was on the way. He had to find Lina, and fast.
Dashing down to the water's edge, he found a single footprint, nearly entirely washed away by the wind and surf. He looked around desperately, but could locate no other clue. he shouted, cupping his hands around his mouth. A moment passed, and there was no answer. What could she possibly be doing? he bellowed, and he realized that the possibility of her hearing his shouts over the wind was very slim. With a muttered curse he waded into the water, searching. he screamed again, but no reply came. He was done playing games, he was going to find Lina and he was going to find her right away.
he howled with all his might, rising into the air. He sped along the surface of the ocean, hair whipping in his face. Tireless Monster energy flowed through him, and he went as fast as he possibly could, eyes wide and searching for any glimpse of the sorceress. Rain began to fall from the black sky and obscured his vision further, but still he would not give up.
He flew for a few minutes more, then a flicker of white caught his attention. Veering off to the east, he zipped towards the floating object, avoiding the waves and straining against the violent winds. Oh, if it was her. . . She had to be alive, she just had to. He would accept no other scenarios. he screeched, plunging into the water beside the struggling form.
Go away! she screamed, batting him away. Leave me alone!
What are you doing? he shouted over the wind and rain. You're too far from the shore!
I said leave, she snapped, and he wondered for a moment if she had completely taken leave of her senses. The hateful look she threw him was full of pain and slipping sanity. I want to go home.
he asked, closing his eyes as a wave pushed him under the surface.
I have to get back to Gourry, she cried, voice breaking on the swordsman's name. I love him!
You can't swim back! he protested, shaking his head and whipping his wet hair from his eyes. It's thousands of miles away!
I don't care! she wailed, and he could tell even through the poring rain that tears were running down her face. I'll do whatever it takes to get back to him!
But you'll die, Lina, Xellos shouted. Please, come back with me and we can talk about this.
No. You've been nothing but trouble since the moment I first laid eyes on you, she spat, and began to swim forward, her white night dress trailing behind her in the dark water.
he begged, reaching for her just as another gigantic wave crashed down upon them. Lina screamed and went under, and when the wave passed, she was nowhere to be seen. he roared, eyes wide as she searched for her. Cold dread clawed its way up his spine and he plunged beneath the surface of the water, peering through the black ocean. It took a moment, but he finally spotted her, her nightgown billowing around her like a cloud as she sank. Her body was limp and he could tell immediately that she was injured. He swam towards her with powerful strokes, wrapping his arms around her as they descended to the bottom of the sea. He crushed her to him and concentrated, then disappeared.