Instert standard disclaimer here. Everyone should know that I don't own these characters. Except, of course, the original ones. 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 22
by the Prime Minister

An hour later Lina opened her eyes tentatively, afraid that something had happened during their trip. She had teleported with Xellos before, but never for so far or so long. It wasn't that it hurt, or that it even felt like anything, but the experience was still unnerving. Xellos would protect her, of course, but that didn't ease her worry. They had made it to the outskirts of town safe and sound, however, and with no one in sight to observe their arrival. Here you are, he said gently, running his fingers through her hair. She quickly stepped away from him, embarrassed at his physical affection, even though she liked it and knew that was the only reason he gave it to her. It certainly wasn't like he had any real affection to give, after all.

And I'm just supposed to look for a house? she asked, shading her eyes as she looked at the city.

That or find a spot where you'd like to build one, he replied, standing near enough next to her that she was aware of his proximity to her body. Money is no object.

She narrowed her eyes and put her hands on her hips, eying him defiantly. Where do you get all this money from, eh? You used to be broke all the time when we traveled together in the past.

A slow smile spread across his face. Well, Miss Lina, that's-

And don't tell me it's a secret, because that's crap. Don't make me wring it out of you.

A laugh escaped him and he shook his head. I was about to say that's changed.

At any rate, I was able to save a fair amount of money while I was a human, and I have found that quite a few of the possessions I collected in past travels are worth quite a bit. In fact, I think I have several million to spend. It's very important that you get someplace you like and wouldn't mind living in. After all, your comfort is essential.

Darn right it is, she growled, looking around at the surrounding countryside.

I'll find you later to pick you up. Please have a lovely time, and be careful.

Lina rolled her eyes and studied the city a little longer. Fine, fine, she mumbled. See ya.

he replied, and when she turned he had already vanished.

She ultimately chose a spacious manor on the outskirts of town, and Xellos had bought it, had it cleaned, and readied it for habitation within the week. Lina was hesitant to ask him how he had accomplished everything so quickly, feeling as if she was better off not knowing. After all, she could remember thinking at the time how convenient it was that she had such a large selection of vacated homes to choose from, and rumors about town had been rampant. Apparently most of the owners of the finest residences had disappeared mysteriously the day before. It was obvious to her that Xellos had a hand it the disappearances, but she felt it best not to dwell on it. Whatever he had done to those people, it could not be undone, nor could she really punish him for it. She had no proof that he had done anything at all, of course. Xellos never left any sort of evidence. Besides, even if she did manage to corner him, he would either deny everything, divert her to a new subject, or do his best to convince her he had just done it in her best interest. That last, unfortunately, would be the truth, and Lina had learned that nothing about Xellos was more dangerous than the truth.

It was strange, but she was almost sad to leave their little beach front bungalow. The peace and quiet had been wonderful, although she was itchy to get adventuring again. It had been almost two years since she had gone wandering. The little beach house had felt like home, though, and it was strange to be among so many people again. She tried not to remember the feeling of melancholy that came over her as she shut the door of the small house for the last time, holding Lecia tightly to her chest as Xellos enveloped them in his cloak and transported them to the mainland. He chose the same spot he had taken her to before, gently releasing her and taking Lecia into his arms. They walked through town as if they were a normal family, Lecia gurgling and squealing at all the new sights as Xellos tagged behind Lina. People gave them odd looks as they neared their new manor house, and when they arrived Xellos opened the gates with a wave of his staff.

Lina was newly impressed as they made their way through the gardens and to the house, having forgotten how lovely the house was. Xellos' preparations had been perfect and everything was absolutely breathtaking. It was as if he had found a way inside her head, pried every single one of her dreams from her, and made them reality. Still, as beautiful as it was, she found herself missing Gourry's house and his warm presence. Sure, Gourry had never given her anything material, but he had never needed to. He had confidence in her love and as such he had never tried to buy it.

She thought it odd that Xellos was trying to purchase her affection, for that's what he was obviously doing. He was always bringing her the most rare and breathtaking items, not to mention all the books and scrolls. Every single time he returned from work he brought her something different, and if he hadn't also given her a magical satchel to store everything in, she wouldn't have had room for it. As it was she liked the presents, but they didn't necessarily make her feel anything for him. No, she didn't love him, and never would. She could never love a Monster, and this didn't bother her since she also knew he couldn't love her. Still, he was her friend, in an odd way, and it wasn't so bad having him for companionship. Besides, Monster or not, he still had an incredible butt. She also was becoming quite fond of Lecia, despite her aversion to childrearing. The little girl was full of spunk and intelligence, and Lina found herself actually looking forward to talking, teaching, and playing with her daughter when she was old enough.

she heard a voice say behind her, and she realized that her musings had filled the journey right up to the front door. Aren't you going to go inside?

She turned and looked at Xellos, who was standing a few steps below her. Lecia giggled and grabbed at his heavy hair. She watched the girl for a moment, then studied Xellos' face. His eyes were closed, as they almost always were when they were in human company, but she still could fill him watching her. she grumbled. It's not like I have a choice.

Xellos lifted an eyebrow as she turned away and pushed open the door. The inside was just as lovely as the facade, with richly polished wooden floors, elegant chandeliers, and heavy draperies. Tasteful yet simple furniture filled the rooms and lovely works of art adorned the walls. Xellos' booted footsteps followed her as she walked into the parlor, glancing at the gigantic windows that opened up to the garden. She sighed, appreciating the refined decor but longing for Gourry's comfortable, somewhat shabby mess. Miss Lina, she heard Xellos intone behind her.

He was at her side in an instant, gently putting Lecia down on the floor. What's the matter? Don't you like it?

I like it fine, she replied somewhat sharply, turning away and examining the walls. The furniture's beautiful.

I emptied my quarters on Wolfpack and relocated everything here, he murmured. I'm pleased that you like it, but something's still bothering you.

Lina scowled and grunted, shifting her cloak on her shoulders as she scowled at the wall.

He stood in silence for several moments, a dark presence at her elbow. You miss him, he stated, voice flat.

Lina suddenly felt the urge to cry and quickly quelled it, determined not to show any weakness. So? I've missed him since the moment I left.

You can't give me human warmth, Xellos, and you never will. I'll miss him for the rest of my days.

She heard him sigh. I apologize, he murmured. I wanted it to be different. I wanted to be human and stay with you.

Too bad. We're both stuck like this, so we might as well make the best of it.

Lecia squealed, and they both turned to see her toddling over, holding something in her hands. It was a coal from the fireplace, and Lina crouched as Lecia held it up.

I see, Lina said somewhat sharply, not liking being distracted.

Lecia grinned, her gums shining, and promptly popped the coal in her mouth.

Lina cried, quickly grabbing the girl by her small, round shoulders. No! Spit it out!

Lecia just made a face and rolled her jaw around.

That can't taste good, Xellos murmured by her side.

Shut up and help me! Lina growled, putting her fingers on either side of the child's face and pinching. Spit it out!

Lecia began to cough through her nose and Xellos reached around Lina, an arm on either side of her, and gently put his fingers behind his daughter's jaw. Pulling forward, the girl could no longer keep her mouth shut and Lina took the opportunity to fish out the coal. Lecia's jaw began to quiver and she opened her mouth wide, wiping off her tongue with her chubby little fingers. Aaa! Ish! Lecia moaned, then started to whimper.

Oh dear, Xellos muttered. I'll go fetch a rag and some water.

Hurry up, Lina snapped, gathering the girl up. Don't do things like that. They're bad for you, she grumbled at the child. You shouldn't scare Mommy and Daddy.

Lecia just cried and rubbed her eyes, which also became sooty. By the time Xellos returned she was even more covered in black than before and wailing. He started to make little clicking noises at her, gently wiping off her face and tongue. When it seemed he had gotten as much off of her as possible he tried to make her rinse her mouth and spit the water out. He was halfway successful, and water dribbled from the child's chin onto Lina's shirt. Lina gasped and blinked, which made Lecia laugh, and so she spit more water onto her mother. Oh dear, Xellos repeated, his face cracking in a grin. He handed Lecia a bit of fruit and she promptly gobbled it up, apparently having forgotten the whole incident.

Lina just continued to blink at her soaked shirt front and the now-sticky child in her arms. You think that's funny, do you? she said tightly, putting down Lecia and rounding on Xellos.

he replied, still grinning.

How about this? she asked, grabbing the glass of water out of his hand and tossing the liquid onto his chest. His eyes opened wide and he stared at her, then down at his clothes. Is that funny?

She should have known better than to try and get even with him. Xellos simply started to giggle and phased out for a split second, returning with another glass of water and dumping it over her head. Lina cried out with indignation and took a swing. If he had been mortal her fist would have landed, but as it was she just cuffed empty air. I think this is great fun, he chortled from behind her, and she turned, panting. With a snarl she rushed him, and as he moved aside he slipped on the wooden floor, which had become slick with the water that was tossed around so carelessly. He made a short noise of surprise and landed on his rear, still laughing, and Lina, who had rushed him too aggressively, toppled onto him. They lay there in a damp, squirming pile as Lecia tottered over to them, eyebrows raised. Lina groaned and looked up at her daughter, then tried to smile. Lecia gave her an almost pitying look and patted her on the head. Xellos erupted into laughter and sat up, settling an arm about Lina and pulling Lecia close with the other. Welcome home, he chortled, and soon all three were smiling.