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 23
by the Prime Minister
Lina became used to the house soon enough, and she had to admit that she liked having servants. There weren't too many, but there were enough people working for Xellos that she never had to cook or clean for herself. Still, as the weeks turned into months, she soon got itchy feet. No longer in the idle cocoon of the island, she found that now that she was on the continent again that she wanted to be wandering. Besides, Xellos was gone every other week or so, and that gave her far too much time to sit around and think. She hated to admit it, but she actually enjoyed having him around. He was an excellent conversationalist, and she always seemed to pick up something new with him. Also, despite the fact that he was a Monster, it was truly wonderful to watch him interact with Lecia. The little girl obviously adored him, and as their daughter grew Lina became more interested in her. It wasn't long before she began talking properly, and before Lina could believe it, the child had turned into a tiny person.
None of that prevented Lina from striking out on her own, however. The months passed into years, and one could often find her wandering the countryside. At times she was even away for several weeks and sometimes Xellos would be home waiting for her, sometimes not. She felt slightly guilty about not staying home and watching Lecia while Xellos was on assignment, but Xellos was never gone more than a week or two, and so she felt that the child was probably well taken care of. Her journeys weren't particularly interesting, but at least she was able to get out of the house for a while and pretend that her life hadn't ended up with way it had. Sometimes she fantasized that she was actually setting out to return to Gourry, but she soon had to shove those sorts of thoughts out of her head. It wasn't because she didn't want to think about Gourry, or going home to him, but rather because instead of dreaming she was going home to his manor she would unconsciously visualize the little cabin she had shared with Xellos. The fantasies had to end because she could not stand to remember how many times she had lost what was important to her, and it displeased her that her time with human Xellos matched her time with Gourry in intensity.
Lina walked through the streets of the city, making her way slowly home after four weeks of traveling. Xellos had checked up on her on the road, always seeming to know exactly where she was and whether or not she was safe, and she had told him when to expect her. She was a few days late, but she didn't think it would matter. Her feet knew the way home by now, and so she barely even paid attention to her surroundings. As she started up the walkway to her house she saw Xellos standing at the gate, Lecia beside him. It was difficult to believe how big the girl was growing. Was she really turning four years old in a week? Had she really been away from Gourry so long?
Lecia broke away from her father's hand and raced down the cobblestones to her, arms spread. Lina felt herself smile, her heart lifted by the joy in her daughter's eyes. Lecia squealed, flinging herself into Lina's arms. Lina knelt and closed her arms around the child, shutting her eyes and inhaling the slight floral scent of Lecia's thick, silky hair. I'm so happy you're back!
Lina laughed and tousled the girl's hair. I know I'm late. I hope you weren't worried.
Lecia grabbed Lina's hand and looked up at her with shining amethyst eyes. I wanted you to come home real bad, but Daddy said that you were coming and to be patient.
Did you have fun while I was gone?
Lecia paused, her mouth scrunching up a little in thought. Yeah, Grandma taught me a trick!
Lina felt a cold tendril of fear race down her spine, not wanting to be reminded of all the time her child spent with the Greater Beast.
Yeah, look, Lecia said, letting go of her hand and moving a few paces ahead, turning toward Lina and trotting backwards. Her brow wrinkled for a moment and she suddenly spread her hands. Try and hit me!
Lina raised an eyebrow. Lecia, I don't think that's a good idea...
Lecia whined. Come on!
Lina growled, talking a halfhearted swing at her child. Her eyes widened in surprise as her fist bounced off an invisible barrier. Whatever spell Xellas had taught her, Lecia had learned it well.
Lina said, trying to keep the anxiety out of her voice. You did very well.
Will I be as strong as you someday? Lecia asked, almost dancing in circles.
Lina replied, forgetting about her daughter as she drew nearer to Xellos. He hadn't said a word during the entire exchange, but as she walked toward him she could see a slight smile on her face. Lina said, suddenly realizing she had actually missed him and wishing she hadn't.
Welcome back, he replied softly, his eyes opening just a crack. Lecia really missed you.
I know, she murmured, Lecia still clamoring for attention in the background. I just don't know what to do.
Don't fret. He smiled at her once more, reaching out with a gloved hand and brushing a lock of hair off of her shoulder, then pulled her close to kiss her on the cheek. She knew he just did it to keep up appearances and make her forget that he wasn't human, but she actually didn't want to pretend anymore. By now she knew that they were her family, and she wanted them to be like a real family. Instead of letting him kiss her on the cheek, she moved her face and pressed her lips to his. He stiffened, then relaxed and let her wrap her arms around his neck.
Lecia moaned, pulling at Lina's cape. Look what I can do!
Lina broke the kiss and sighed, wishing for the millionth time that Xellos was human again. What is it? she snapped.
Lecia paused at the sharp tone, then shook it off and began to prance around again. Look, I can do a cartwheel!
She watched the child do some sort of rolling maneuver, then looked at Xellos and raised her eyebrow. She honestly believes it's a cartwheel, he explained. I didn't see any reason to correct her.
Lina growled.
Mommy's hungry, Xellos said to Lecia. She's been walking all day and needs to be fed.
Food time! Lecia squealed, weaving between their legs as they walked into the house.
Hours later Lecia had been put to bed and Lina lay panting against Xellos' bare chest, eyes closed as the remnants of lovemaking throbbed through the veins of her body. Throughout the years she and Xellos had rarely slept together, and when they had it was because her need had become too great. Actually, physical love with Monster Xellos was very interesting. He never, ever tired, and since his experience through the rings was completely dependent on what she was feeling, he had taken her to heights of pleasure she had not even thought possible. Still, although he brought her gratification, their unions lacked the heat they had possessed when he was human. Lina knew it wasn't really fair to compare the experiences, but she did so anyway. She used to love it when she could feel his intensity and abandon as he moved inside of her, and although he was still just as creative, she still couldn't shake the sense that he was simply moving through a procedure. What will you do when I die? she asked abruptly.
He sighed and stared at the ceiling, his outline glowing faintly in the moonlight coming through the window. I'm not sure. I suppose the world will seem gray indeed without your mischief. In all my thousands of years you're the most fun I've ever had.
Fun drives you, doesn't it?
Always, unless I have a direct order that leaves me no options.
Just another reason you always toyed with us, I guess.
I suppose so.
Lina lay a while more in darkness, her eyes occasionally drifting shut. she murmured.
Yes, Miss Lina?
It isn't so bad. Being with you, I mean, even if you're a Monster.
His hand rubbed her shoulder, the gentle touch sending her off to sleep even faster. I'm glad, he whispered as she drifted off. I'm glad.