Vampire Hunter D Fan Fiction ❯ Determination of the Damned ❯ Crimson Waltz, part 1: Blood Bond ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4—Crimson Waltz

Part 1: Blood Bond

 

Hi readers! Crimson Waltz is a two (as of now) part chapter, which hopefully will be a nice look into the growing relationship of D and Icellina. Now, they aren't too thrilled with each other right now, but—well, you'll see. Enjoy!

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In my dream, you were there--just like you are every night. But something was different this time; something seemed off about your stance. You didn't even smile at me like you usually do; there was a sad frown upon that beautiful porcelain face of yours instead. Screaming out to you, I desperately fought to get your attention—but you didn't answer my call. `Why aren't you listening to me, Gabriel?' Running to you but losing my balance, I fell hard upon the bleak nothingness that made up this horrid place; falling freely into the fathomless darkness of this nightmare. You had said something to me then, but I couldn't hear you anymore—only the slow, droning sound of my heart filled my ears. `What did you say? Were you telling me `goodbye'?'

 

My body was cold as ice as I sailed quicker through the darkness, racing towards an unknown destination inside the black of this hell. That awful beating came heavier now; piercing my body and my soul with its monotonous doom, tearing my existence into two incomplete halves. `What is this place? Where am I going?' I floated still, embraced by the hopelessness of this dream, comforted only by the promise of impending death. I was tired, so tired now—it didn't hurt to know I would die. If this was a dream, even a nightmare—let me continue to sleep if that's what it took to escape this misery. As long as I knew you were there waiting for me somewhere inside this strange place, I was willing to stay here forever.

 

Something cold collided my body suddenly, as I fell farther into this blissful unconsciousness; something that reminded me of your hands underneath the covers of our bed. `What is that touching me?' The sensation crawled up my back and nuzzled the crook of my neck—causing my heartbeat to quicken as I was plucked from my dark paradise. A warm, metallic taste filled my mouth as I lay there in limbo; the hot liquid coursing through my body and ending my waltz with death. Involuntarily, I bit down onto this luscious substance, latching helplessly onto the warmth—wishing never to let it go. I could hear low moaning as I lapped up this gorgeous flavor, savoring each and every drop as it ran through my body. `Why is this so familiar to me? This taste, what is it?'

 

It continued to flow, this medicine, returning to me the strength I remembered before the darkness. I was in ecstasy now, surrounded by this magnificent fluid. I could feel my wounds healing, my heart racing faster and faster until I knew for sure I was alive. `Gabriel, is this you helping me? Are you here, holding me as my body heals?' Clutching harder onto this supernatural panacea, I continued my frenzied drinking--devouring all I could of this wonderful liquid before I was suddenly cut off; taken like a newborn baby from the security of its mother's womb. Sadness overwhelmed me suddenly, reminding me again that I was alive. My body was healed now, better than before even, but still I slept; peaceful in the knowledge that I would see you again.

 

A piercing ache hit my skin suddenly, breaking through the barrier and taking with it my essence. I was being drained again; my new-found strength ripped from me. I couldn't get away; the force on top of me, holding me down was too strong. Submitting I went still—allowing this stealing of energy to happen. After awhile, I actually relaxed—feeling my body becoming lighter with each lap. The passionate feasting had stopped, as sudden as it had started, and soon that familiar, wonderful metallic taste was mine again to savor. This varying dance continued at least twice more after, until exhaustion prevented me from going on.

 

Lifted from where I lay by strong hands, I knew I was being carried from this awful nightmare for good. In my mind, my thoughts drifted back to that night in the valley; before disaster had struck, before we dropped onto that carriage and I was taken. Before it all; my dream repeated, like a broken record of time, that single thought of you holding me near the birch tree. I was a fool to push you away back then. Perhaps things will be different now—now that I realize how much you mean to me. We will be together again, I know that my dearest. I'm alive, and so are you. I know you are, Gabriel. I know you are.

 

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She opened her eyelids slowly, breaking through old, crusty dried blood hinging them down to her face. With a light grunt, the dhampile pushed herself up from her position on the ground, kneading the damp earth between her fingers as she sat hunched over. She was in a cave--a very small, low-ceilinged cave with a narrow mouth and bumpy, rounded walls. The dusty little alcove smelt of wild grass and ginger—crisp, sweet perfume that rejuvenated her mind and tickled her senses. The darkness that surrounded her before was gone now, replaced by hazy, yellow-tinted light of morning. Why is it morning? Where am I?

 

Unhurriedly moving her eyes back and forth taking in her surroundings, Icellina's vision soon settled upon a dark object across from her on the dirt floor. Leaning against the wall of the low cave, D sat there; his hat pulled down over his eyes to block the sunlight from his face. Deep, rich brown hair flowed gracefully over his leather armor and around his neckline, framing his pale milky-white skin and accentuating the delicate curved line of his chin. From what Icel could tell, he was sleeping—not moving at all, save for the gentle heaving of his muscular chest in time with his breath. The terra cotta-lined, black cape that he had lent her before was now reattached to the metal plating on his shoulders, arranged underneath his sleeping form carelessly.

 

He must have saved me, she thought calmly, watching his chest continue to gently rise and fall. It does make sense I suppose, I guess it was him on those stairs afterall. He must have killed that lizard after I passed out. Icellina averted her gaze, staring down at her body. Testing herself, she clenched and unclenched her hand—watching her palm disappear as her slender fingers closed on top of it. Picking one of her legs up, she bent it silently in place, swinging her foot back and forth at the ankle. Well, I seem to be doing just fine now. She stretched were she sat for a minute, arching her back in a grand display before settling back down again. Clutching her neck suddenly, a tiny twinge of pain vibrated through her veins. Ouch!

 

The skin was smooth where she held it, but the phantom echo of pain remained. Was I bitten? No, of course not. I can't be bitten…I'm a dhampile, immune to vampire bites. She lightly rubbed the sore spot slowly, causing rushing waves of cold to travel down her arms and up her spine. The hair on the back of her neck was raised, and her heart beat quickened with each touch of the area. It was her right side, the side where the jugular vein was most impressive. If she'd been a vampire herself, this is the prime spot she would go for. But, there wasn't even a vampire in that castle! Icellina continued to rub the bothersome area, shifting in her seat as the memory from before hit her with realization. That dream of blood, was it real?

 

Resting her eyes on D, Icellina twisted her face into an ugly frown. Damn it, this is the second time I've been rescued by this guy. Why does he keep helping me out? Now I probably owe him something. I wonder how he destroyed that lizard demon. I guess I'll ask him once he gets up. She rubbed her neck again. God I hate being in dept to others. Cringing, the woman quickly swept her short bangs behind her ear out of reflex. Staring at his sturdy form and tilting her eyebrows into a slant, the ancient dhampile debated silently. It's too light out to leave right now—who knows where the hell I am? I could be in the middle of nowhere…And if I pass out again… She went rigid as D gently shuffled in place, falling silently back into sleep. Damn, I guess I'm staying then.

 

D slept like the dead; soundless and unnaturally still, despite the signs of morning filling the cavern around him. Icellina watched him rest for a little while, quiet as to avoid waking him. He actually looked rather peaceful laying there, almost blissful in fact. It would be a shame to interrupt such angelic beauty. She moved her eyes down his slender neck and to his well-toned torso, intrigued by his body's flawless structure. A fine specimen, she nodded in agreement with herself. It's just a shame he is so damn difficult. Hmph.

 

Touching her neck once more, a small thought crossed her mind. Was it D who bit me? Icellina shifted where she sat, suddenly moving her head in an awkward attempt to see underneath his hat. The only visible features were D's long, straight nose, and those two lips that sat in a neutral position near his chin. Did you bite me? She held her hand protectively against her skin; her neck throbbing as she stared at his figure. Of course! He was the only one there…wasn't he? Anger was surfacing on her face now; the normally beautiful features twisting into an ugly sneer. Her short temper was causing her free hand to clench up and shake as well. I can't believe I trusted him!

 

Her convictions had to wait; piercing warmth covered her entire body now, taking her attention off the sleeping dhampile. Quickly streaming into the little, dingy den, dangerous light illuminated the taupe walls with a yellow, glowing aura. Damn it! With what sounded like a hiss, the woman reared back, scooting slowly towards the back of the cavern. Icellina tried desperately to dodge the hazardous rays of the sun; escaping into the receding darkness that was quickly dissipating. Why the hell am I in another death trap? It seems like I just escaped from the last one. Icellina hissed violently, hugging the rocky wall in fear. Terrified of the approaching daylight, she shoved her body flush against the cave wall, clinging onto the last bit of darkness. Pulling her knees up to her chest in a last-ditch effort to avoid her doom, Icellina clamped down her eyelids dreading what was to come.

 

Damn it all to hell! She buried her face underneath her outstretched arms. Why does this keep happening to me? Curse that D for bringing me here…Feeling the sunlight envelope her body, she whimpered quietly—waiting for the pain. Her neck throbbed again, but Icellina didn't dare hold onto it; she was too busy holding onto the wall to do much of anything else. Like a terrible fire, the light penetrated her skin and heated her body—the exposed skin on her shoulders, neck, and legs becoming bathed in the warmth.

 

After a few minutes or so, Icel slowly cracked open her left eye, looking around incredulously. Well, this makes no sense. Why aren't I feeling weak already? Gradually, she released her rigid hold on the rock wall and straightened out her legs into their previous position. Touching her warm skin, a new sensation crept over her body. Is this what it feels like to be human? God, I hope not. Frowning grimly, the ancient dhampile thought about her apprentice, Gabriel—and how much he would have loved to see her sitting here--in the light of day. Are you happy, you bastard? She looked towards D again. You're responsible for my becoming more human. She rolled her eyes, rubbing her tongue over the sharp fangs that still sat in her mouth. At least I still have you two.

 

Feeling brave, Icellina stood and walked slightly bent over, around D's legs to the cave's threshold. Hesitating for a moment, she thrust out her hand—exposing it to the direct sunlight. After a minute or so, she followed her arm out of the cave. Standing there, bathed in the warm rays, Icellina spun around and gazed at the world from this new perspective. So, that is what grass looks like in the daytime. She squatted down on her knees, and felt the tiny blades of mossy green around her feet. So exquisite; no wonder Gabriel loves the light. She rubbed her hands together, dusting off the morning dew which clung to her palms. The grass is wet, just like after a rainstorm. Is it always like this in the morning? Standing back up, Icellina crossed her arms in front of her body, and took in the landscape. Everything is just so beautiful! The bright blue of the day, the pearly white of those fluffy clouds…even the earth beneath me is shining with the reddened look of clay. D's mechanical horse was tied to a tree not too far from the cave. Whinnying with a rough robotic voice, it confirmed that it saw her. Don't worry, I'm not planning on taking you.

 

Smiling uncontrollably, Icellina took a few steps down the grass-covered hill. Slate-blue mountains with white snow dotted over their surface, lined the view around this little summit, telling the dhampile that they were still somewhere near Castle Treppe. The fortress couldn't be seen from this location though, so they must be far enough from the castle to prevent those lizard demons from finding them. Lizard demons… Icellina gave a blunt `hmph', and then pushed their memory aside. The bright landscape around her was much more interesting at the moment. I can't believe that I'm standing out here—in the sunlight no less! She lifted her arms out to the sides, twirling around. No burning, no weakness. The dizziness that usually accompanied a trip into the sun was nowhere to be found. Could I really be cured?

 

“Incredible!” She shouted, throwing back her face and laughed. It felt so good to be lit by the sun. Smiling widely, eyes closed, Icellina resumed her spinning. Oh, if only Gabriel could see this!

 

“…You're awake I see…” A deep voice from behind her stopped Icel mid-turn.

 

Dropping her arms to her sides, she rigidly turned to face D, who stood in the cave's entrance watching her. He looked withdrawn—a reserved quiet surrounding his body, but oddly glad to see her. He didn't seem to be harvesting any evil intensions now, but Icellina couldn't be so sure anymore. A menacing look quickly replaced the smile which adorned her face before; the memory of what D did to her making the violence in her heart re-surface. Before he could say anything else, Icellina rushed him, grabbing his outfit around his neck, and bending his towering body to where she stood.

 

“Bastard! You bit me, didn't you?!” She pushed him away, and twisted her neck so he could see it. Touching the spot where the phantom throbbing was, both dhampiles suddenly physically shook—the connection between the two of them obvious to the eyes. Shocked at this reaction, Icel touched her neck again, causing D and herself to shiver once more. Dropping her hand back to her sides, the ancient dhampile took a step toward D. “What the hell did you do to me?”

 

Averting his gaze, D turned his head away from Icellina. The shame that should have been there wasn't; instead all he could feel was longing. That night they shared their bond beat heavily inside his neck. He wanted to taste her again—he wanted to dance in that bond once again. Not able to face her, he closed his eyes. His neck throbbed too, even though he made no attempt at touching it. It didn't hurt per se, but it did thump more noticably with each second she stood there. I'm sorry.

 

“Did you hear me?” Icellina's rich accent filled his receptive ears, causing him to turn away from her even more. “God damn you, answer me!”

 

“…it was the only way…” D closed his eyes, remembering that night again. He didn't want to do what he did at first, but she looked so helpless laying there. Icel had lost so much blood—it was the only way to save her. And, he had remembered that kiss from before…that wonderful, surprising kiss that had awakened within him a new sensation he just couldn't put his finger on. “…I'm sorry.”

 

Icellina stepped back, angst hitting her heart and filling her mind with fear. “What was the only way? What the hell happened back there?”

 

D drifted his sad gaze to her face, bringing up his hand to the right side of his neck. Hesitating a second, he placed it against the skin, causing Icel's neck to ache in response. “You had lost so much blood that night, you would have died,” he reached out to touch her neck, but Icel cowered away from him. “…I allowed you to drink from me.”

 

With widened eyes, Icellina remembered that dream—the blood; the rich blood was D's after all. Covering her gaping mouth with a hand, she shook her head unbelievingly. “No…”

 

“You were very enthusiastic after awhile…it was hard to get you to stop. I had to pry you off of me.” His grey-blue eyes pierced hers as he continued. “You had taken so much that I had no choice but to drink from you as well.”

 

Taking a step backwards, Icellina continued to shake her head. “Liar…”

 

“I felt as if I had taken too much from you, so…I let you drink from me again.” I enjoyed it, he wanted to say, but her expression told him not to. “After I knew you were going to live, I carried you away from the castle.” Gesturing towards the cave, he connected the dots for her. “Icellina…”

 

“How dare you!” She ran towards him again, raising her fist to hit him. Catching her with his arms, D spun her around and held onto her trembling body. “Let go of me!”

 

“Please, calm down.” He gently wrapped his arms tighter around her, trying to get her to stop. “I only did it to help you. It will be alright.” Gazing at her neck, he was amazed that he could control his urges. Something about taking what wasn't his to have stopped his longing. If she were to give herself to me freely, however…His firm grip loosened as she stopped fighting him.

 

“I would have rather died, than become what those fucking villagers claim we already are. Nothing but blood-sucking half-breeds!” She whipped around to stare at him. “How dare you prove them right!” Her resentment chipped away at D's heart, but he continued to hold onto her. Only inches from his face, she narrowed her eyes out of disgust and hissed. “I would have rather died!”

 

“…I couldn't just let you die.” D burned his eyes into hers again. The breathtaking grey looking back at him caused D to lose his train of thought momentarily. “…everything will be alright, I know it will be. We are not the blood-suckers humans say we are. It was just the only way to save you, that's all.”

 

“And what happens if I liked the taste of blood? I could never live with myself—and Gabriel--” She broke off and whimpered, her eyebrows raising sadly at the thought of ever harming Gabriel. “You should have just left me for dead, D. Now I have this taste in my mouth, it will never end! I've ripped vampires to shreds, but I never dared drinking their blood. How could you do this to me?!”

 

Breaking from his hold, she turned and quickly walked a few feet down the grassy hill. Stopping, Icel took in another quick look of the landscape before folding her arms in front of her chest. No…this can't be happening! I'm a monster now, is that it? How could you save me—only to turn me into what I hate even more than humans—a blood-sucking fiend? Gabriel…Gabriel will never forgive me. Dropping her head sadly, closing her eyes, Icellina fell to her knees and wept.

 

“What have I done? What have you done to me D?”

 

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Marle Trendolle was usually such a good girl--bright and energetic, and always listening to the village elders. But today, she just couldn't head dire warnings. Standing there, inside the common room of the meeting house, she felt as if everyone was against her. She was renowned throughout Westera for her beauty and skill with the bow, but hardly anyone was willing to stand behind her for this `war' she meant to instill. After her family had been slaughtered, she had met numerous times inside this place—trying to convince the rest of the villagers to go to war with the two dhampile's living on the outskirts of town. They were trouble-makers, she was certain of that. The various descriptions of her family's murderer fit the male dhampile perfectly. She'd have her revenge, even if it killed her.

 

The village elders were too scared of those two dhampiles to endorse her actions—they warned the rest of town to stay away from their cave; just pretend like they weren't a threat. The two dhampiles have dwelled inside that cave for thousands of years—even before this town was built. The myths and legends of that cave being haunted by them since the beginning of time rang true for many people in Westera. Some believed that they were truly immortal; un-killable by man-made weapons, and unstoppable even by God himself. Marle's family had been some of those said `believers'. They feared the dhampiles more than they feared regular vampires. They had heard that the two cave-dwellers were human hunters, and that at they'd pry on the villagers who were foolish enough to venture out of their homes--in broad daylight if they wanted to. I guess they were right.

 

Marle was determined to rid their village of those two demons. She had tried to kill the male demon herself, but was unsuccessful. Running back to town defeated, Marle had realized her mistake; she needed more people to back her up. The dhampile was too strong and cunning for her alone—but, if some of the men from the village were to help… the bastard was sure to go down. If rallying this town together was the only way to kill that dhampile, then so be it. She was laughed at by all of them more than once for trying to get their help… but that didn't concern her right now. She just wanted the dhampile to die.

 

“Marle, go home. We have already told you nothing can kill those two demons!” Rendald Grenvile spoke up through the hushed whispers filling the common room. Rendald was a young, respected carpenter's apprentice who lived near the town square with his sickly mother. His tall, muscular frame was topped off with thick, dusty brown hair which hung carelessly around his face and ears. Shrouded in his usual get-up of a dirty white poet's shirt and dark tan pants, he stood from his seat, and walked over to her. A long-time childhood friend, Rendald was concerned for Marle even more than the others. “Please, Marle…just go home.”

 

“What home?” She spat, causing another wave of whispering to fill the common room. “What home do I go home to? The home where my family was slaughtered? Is that where I should return to?” Tears streamed down her peach colored face, falling to the unvarnished wood floor beneath her feet. “Rendald, I'm not like you—I don't have somewhere to go to! I just need to kill those murderers—that's the only way to stop this pain!”

 

Softening his voice, he placed a tanned hand on her shoulder. “Marle, I know that this has been hard for you to deal with. That's why you should just put it all behind you my dear. Come to stay with me, mother won't mind.” His rough, callused hands began to rub the soft white cloth that poked out from her tight corset. “Please, for your own safety, just end this. It was a miracle that they let you live before. Don't test your luck again.”

 

“But they have plagued all of you as well!” Her voice echoed through the room, causing the various townsfolk around her to become distraught. Looking up at Rendald with her rich brown eyes, the young woman pleaded once more. “Please, Rendald, help me. Help me stop them for good!”

 

Removing his hand from her body, Rendald shook his head solemnly. “I'm sorry, but I can't. Nothing good can come of this—you know of the legends. Others have hunted them—others more skilled than you and me combined—but none have succeeded. Please, end this and start a new life.” He hesitated for a moment, “A new life—with me, Marle, please. I couldn't bear to see you get hurt.” Embracing her firmly, Rendald held onto her small frame as she cried. Pressing her head next to his chest, he began to run his fingers though the thick red locks framing her face. “Marle, start a new life with me, and forget this nonsense.”

 

Breaking from his hold, she backed away and stared at him through the burning tears rushing down her face. “No! I can't Rendald!” She turned to the rest of the townspeople. “If none of you will help me, then I will have to do it myself! I don't know how—but I'll figure it out! I must do this—for my family! I was hoping all of you would understand; we've all been hurt by those vampire-half breeds. What's wrong with all of you?”

 

“We are scared Marle, it's not our fault. We simply are not strong enough to stop those two. End this.” Rendald went to hold her again. “Please.”

 

“I hate you all! If none of you are brave enough to help me, then I will do it on my own!” Turning around upset, she dashed out of the common room, and into the town square.

 

“Marle!” He shouted after her. “Stop, come back here!”

 

“I'll just do it myself Rendald!”

 

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And that's it for part 1. Part 2 will be on its way soon, so don't fret. I have some mighty interesting things in store for this story!! ^_^.