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 28
by the Prime Minister

As Lina neared the city she felt an odd anticipation overtake her. She supposed it wasn't surprising, though, considering how long she'd wanted to visit this particular city. Over the past several years she would wander to this place or that, and along the way she kept hearing rumors of the archives in the city of the Air Dragon King. It was supposed to be a famous center of learning, especially since the golden dragons lived so close. At any rate, she had been hungering for quite some time to rummage through the libraries and archives in the city, but the distance had made a visit impossible. She would have needed months for the journey, and yet she hadn't wanted to abandon her family for so long. However, with Xellos' latest assignment taking him out of town for so long and with Lecia out of her hair, she didn't feel the least bit guilty finally taking her extended journey. It thrilled her that she finally had the time to make the trip, and she was incredibly excited that so much information stood just before her.

She had only been in the city for a few hours, having immediately sampled some of the local cuisine, and was walking down one of the avenues near the outskirts of town. As she was heading toward the center she was musing on the hexagram-like layout of the city when a loud sound interrupted her thoughts. It sounded for all the world like an explosion, and as her head whipped around to find the source the ground shook beneath her feet. Smoke and dust billowed above the buildings quite some distance from her, but within the city nonetheless. People began to scream and run by her as more explosions rocked the city, and Lina looked frantically around for an answer. What's going on? she shouted into the crowd, but no one would respond as they shoved past. They all appeared to be heading for the temple, and she remembered reading that the dragons were oathbound to defend the humans and their city. Wondering if the information was true, she shaded her eyes with her hand and looked up into the sky, searching for the shapes of dragons. What she found instead troubled her deeply.

In the sky hovered three figures, one of whom was dressed all in black. They were too far away for her to make out, but she suddenly had an awful feeling that she knew who was up there. Her heart sank into her chest and she saw the tall, dark figure move slightly. All around her a wall of flame appeared, and she felt sick as she smelled homes burning and realized what was going on. It had to be Xellos, no one else had the sort of power it took to set the entire perimeter of the city on fire.

As she watched the wall of flame approach her she felt nauseated and cold. How dare he kill her race? How dare he murder his daughter's race? Anger at him and at herself filled her slight body so violently that she began to tremble. She was stupid, stupid to think that just because he had spent years living with her and their child that he would change. It was nothing but folly to hope that he would be able to abandon some of his Monster ways for them. He was a Monster through and through, and it was asinine to believe otherwise. Damn her! How could she have been so stupid? How could she have trusted him? Damn you, you Monster liar! she screamed into the flame-driven wind, and let loose a powerful spell, extinguishing the flames in front of her. He was killing people, the man she lived with was out killing people. On some deep level it didn't surprise her, but every bone in her body ached with anger nonetheless. She should have never forgotten what he was. If she had had any sense she would have taken Lecia and left years ago, but now it was too late.

She looked up and realized that the dark figure had floated closer and was peering down at her. It was unmistakably him; he was close enough that she could see his staff. Mindless rage filled her, and her only thought was to destroy the bastard that was killing the humans and had hurt her feelings. Before she knew what she was doing she began to chant, and as her spell drew to a close she saw Xellos joined by a female Monster. She looked straight into the new Monster's face and knew she had been seen and recognized. Glancing over at Xellos, she was surprised to see him pale. Well, too bad, it was his own fault. Dragon Slave! she screamed at the top of her lungs, loosing her spell right at him. A growl escaped her as the Monsters got away, but she swore they wouldn't do so again. She readied another spell and then decided it wouldn't hurt to make sure it really was him. Besides, whatever she threw at him wouldn't kill him, unless it was the Ragna Blade or the Giga Slave. As she looked up she saw that the dragons were coming, and then something awful occurred to her. This was the precise moment he had spoken about during their last night together. This was the moment he wasn't sure he would live through. Quickly she reached toward him through the ring, immediately confirming his identity as the figure in the sky and pushing all her most wrenching feelings straight at him. The three Monsters appeared to be talking, Xellos' body posture stiff, and then the dragons descended. Lina let out a gasp as the sky darkened with beating wings, and she felt several different brands of fear. She didn't want the dragons to die, nor did she want Xellos to die. Most of all, she didn't want to die. Almost cringing, she looked up through a squinting eye and saw Xellos throw a hand to the side. The air shimmered for a moment, then the dragons began bouncing off the barriers like they were motes of dust. Their attacks were repelled as well, and it was then she realized just how powerful Xellos was. He could have smashed her to dust at any time during their acquaintance and there would have been precious little she could have done about it, she thought with shock. She had known he was strong, but not that he was that strong. The idea of his strength combined with his evil made her shudder, and then she realized he was coming down to her.

I wish you had not come here, Miss Lina, he said coldly as his boots made contact with the cobblestones.

What the hell are you doing here? she snapped. Is this your mission?

Xellos looked around at the ruined houses and flames. Sort of. The assignment is to kill all the dragons. If we can destroy the city and the humans in it we've done some extra work.

Lina felt her jaw quiver and she swallowed her rage. How could you do this? How could you kill these people?

You know the answer to that question. It's not like you to ask silly questions.

His chilly response surprised her. Xellos was usually fairly ingratiating, and it was very, very strange to see him acting so formal and unfriendly. What was wrong? Why was he being so odd? You know I can't stand by and let you do this, she warned, trying to breathe around the lump in her throat.

He look a step closer, his eyes fully open, and she shivered at the heartless look in his slitted eyes. And you know that I can't let you stop me, he replied softly, moving forward again. He was so close that they were within a couple of feet of one another.

What do you mean?

I have my orders, and I cannot disobey, he said. I must kill you, Lina Inverse.

Her heart stopped beating in her chest and she thought for a moment that she was going to black out. Had she truly heard those words? she murmured, shocked to her very core.

You heard me. I mean to take your life from you.

A million emotions raced through her body. She was angry at him for betraying her, yes she was. Nothing would have been more satisfying than wrapping her fist in his hair and smashing his head against something spiky. Hurt was there as well, however, and it pained her to her soul that he would really harm her. They had been through so much together over the years, and even though he could have, and probably should have, killed her many times, he never had. Despite her best judgment, she had eventually come to trust him and even care for him, and now he was throwing it all away like she was so much garbage. How could you? she whispered, choking back tears of rage and pain. I thought we were friends.

he said with a cold smile, wagging his finger at her slowly. I'm a Monster, remember?

she croaked, feeling rooted to the cobblestones.

He shrugged. Oh well. It could be worse.

Lina saw the other two Monsters engage the dragons over Xellos' shoulder. Fire and pieces of burning flesh began to rain down upon them and she gagged on the smell and her unshed tears. Her whole body ached with pain, and it was if she had been whipped a million times and bathed in saltwater.

I never loved you, for one, he said nonchalantly. And you never loved me either. That makes it a bit easier, doesn't it?

I can't believe this, she stammered, the blood pounding in her skull.

Think of it this way, he answered softly, stepping very close to her. How much worse would this be if I was the man you loved? How awful would this be if it were Gourry standing here, about to take your life?

Lina almost lost it right then and there. She wanted to tell him that she wasn't with Gourry, she was with him, and she had trusted him, but she didn't want to give him the satisfaction. was the only word she could manage to croak out.

Still, you have served me well. I will make this a painless experience, he said gently, putting a hand on her shoulder and another on her chest, his palm flat between her breasts.

I trusted you, she said, voice cracking, and a few tears rolled out of the corner of her eyes.

He looked at her for a moment, his eyes cold and hard as they locked with hers. Do not move a muscle, he murmured. If you even do so much as flinch you will experience the worst agony of your entire life.

All my pain has been because of you, she spat, tears flowing freely down her face. She had cared about him, she really had. She had never thought his betrayal would have hurt so much.

Don't you dare move, he hissed narrowing his eyes. It ends here.

Lina took a deep breath and shut her eyes, determined to go to her death bravely, when suddenly she was crushed against his body and covered by his cloak. He shouted a few words and she yelled, deafened by the ensuing noise. The earth shook beneath her and heat erupted all around them. It was as if the world itself was coming to an end, and suddenly the only real thing in her life was the feeling of his arms wrapped around her like steel bands. She was pressed so tightly against him that she couldn't see what was going on, and so she simply squeezed her eyes shut and let her tears soak his shirt. The world broke apart around them and she screamed as they were hurled through the air, hearing a soft thud as Xellos' body shielded her from falling rocks. There were more noises and the smell of burning flesh, and then she was released into the light and cool air, gasping. Xellos unfolded his cloak onto the ground and laid her upon it, gently clearing strands of hair from her face. she gurgled, groping for his shirt front. She had no idea what had just happened.

Are you all right? he whispered urgently, running his hands over her face and limbs. Are you hurt at all?

What? No, I'm fine, she mumbled, batting at his touch.

Are you certain? he asked, tracing her jaw and cheeks with his long fingers.

I'm fine, she snapped, slapping him away. What the hell was that? You scared me half to death!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, he murmured, reaching out and crushing her to him once again. I didn't mean to frighten you.

Lina shoved him away with all her might. Explain to me right now what just happened. One minute you're threatening to kill me, and the next thing I know the world is exploding.

His face softened and he smiled, the expression almost human. Miss Lina, do you really think I'd kill you? Especially after all the trouble I went through to stay with you?

You are a Monster, she replied coldly.

His smile fell. I know, he said, standing. And I am in oodles of trouble.

Lina followed his gaze and saw that there was nothing but a water-filled crater where the city had been. Several miles of land had been leveled entirely, and a piece of the mountain range was missing as well. Nothing could have survived that, she gasped, suddenly afraid of him once again. Whatever he had just done, it had the power of about ten of her Dragon Slaves.

Nothing did survive it, including my companions.

The other Monsters?

Xellos turned to her, expression weary. Precisely. I hope you realize how much trouble I'm in now.

You killed your own people? On purpose?

It was that or kill you instead. I hope you're not arguing with my choice, because I'm afraid it's a bit late now.

No, no, she said, shocked. Her body was beginning to shut down because of all the conflicting input. The whole thing had just been an act of his, then. He had never intended to hurt her at all.

We have to leave immediately. I'd like to get you and Lecia to safety before they hunt me down, Xellos said, helping her stand.

What's going to happen? she asked, all her fear, anger, and confusion replaced instantly by worry.

Xellos shook his cloak out and refastened around his shoulders, then gently took her hand and drew her close. Miss Lina, I apologize for frightening you, he murmured, reaching up and wiping away her drying tears with his fingers.

she grumbled, looking into his face and feeling oddly vulnerable. I should pound your head in with a rock for the scare you gave me.

I know. He sighed and looked towards the wreckage he had caused. Nothing moved or lived in the newly-created crater.

So what happens now? she said, repeating her earlier question. What are our options?

You must take Lecia and get as far away as you can. Go back to Filia, since she and Val might be strong enough to help you protect yourself. I know you're more than strong enough to defend yourself, and they'll be after me anyway, but it would be nice for you to have help with Lecia. If that fails, go back to Seyruun to your friends, or back to Gourry. He carries Scundabran, and he will finally be able to protect you.

Her heart twisted at the mention of Gourry, but suddenly she realized that she wanted her strange little family to stay together. Xellos had been a part of her life for so long that it seemed odd to think of being without him, Monster or no. Besides, Lecia worshipped her father, and she would hate to think of the trauma it would cause her if something happened to Xellos. But what happens to you?

Dynast and Dolphin will hunt me down and kill me. My life is forfeit, I'm afraid.

Lina cried, wrapping her fists in his cloak and shaking him. You have to fight!

They're my superiors, Xellos murmured. If my mistress says die', then I must.

she repeated.

I have no choice, and we should hurry. Time is of the essence, Xellos said softly, and took them home.