Vampire Hunter D Fan Fiction ❯ Determination of the Damned ❯ Crimson Waltz, Part 2: End of Innocence ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter 5—Crimson Waltz

Part 2: End of Innocence

 

 

“Kadence?” A small, hoarse voice broke though the darkness surrounding her cage, piercing the deafening silence filling the room. A few crickets could be heard outside the thick clay walls of the room, signaling the start of nighttime, but their presence wasn't strong enough to soothe the fear in the young girl's voice. “Are you still alive?” Breathing hard, Emily crawled her way across the rusted metal underneath her body, ripping the delicate flesh on her stomach where it scraped against the floor. She was hurting badly--feeling sick and tired from neglect, but still she pressed on, using the last of her strength to get to her sister. “Kadence?” A dry tongue lashed out between heavily scarred lips, choking her as she spoke. Brushing some of the sweaty blond hair from her face, Emily coughed deeply—hacking violently until falling into a heap on the floor. “Kadence!”

 

Dragging herself a few more inches across the coarse lining of her cell, she found the thick, rigid iron bars blocking her escape. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the sticky blood staining her arms, legs, and dress. Those crickets were louder now, echoing their laughter inside her mind with malicious chirping. They were free—outside of this cell and away from the humid stench of death that hung heavily in the air. As if to knock her down, their crazed song continued, blending with the high-pitched wailing that came from Emily's mouth. Wiping a soiled hand across her cheek, the little girl sat hunched over; leaning against the iron railing heaving tiredly as hot tears tricked down her bruised face. I'm so hungry. Pressing her forehead to one of the cold, rusted bars, she shifted where she sat—pulling the rags of her dress out of underneath her legs. The satin cloth had become caked with dried blood, sweat, and vile excretion, creating a yellowish-green splotched garment where white should have been. The rotten fetid stench that oozed from the fabric was her only comfort in this damp hell.

 

It had once been such a beautiful dress, the one now hanging from her starved body in dirty tatters. A present from their mother, Lydia, both girls wore their white gowns proudly; prancing around town with a gay demeanor fitting for the upper class that they were. The twin girls may have looked identical in appearance, but they were different as apples and oranges when it came to taste. Satin, soft and supple next to the skin was Emily's favorite material—while Kadence loved velvet more. Their mother had bought both of them brilliant white satin dresses, without caring about Kadence's preference. Emily had always been her favorite, so naturally her wants came first. Quiet and reserved, Kadence didn't put up too much of a fight when she received her dress. It was more important that her mother even considered buying her something, then what that `something' happened to be. Always being more of a daddy's girl, it was Frances that usually took the job of spoiling her.

 

But now both girls were more alike than ever; each was locked in a suspended cage like an animal would be—a hated, neglected animal which hardly was fed or bathed, and beaten by its owners nightly. It had been more than a week and a half since their abduction, and each night after being battered, the two girls would press themselves against their cells and reach out for each other through the twisted, jagged metal that was their prison. Just barely touching hands, both would struggle to cling to the hope that rescue was on its way. Going to sleep believing they would be saved from this nightmare in the morning, the two of them would rest in comfort—only to be woken the next day by those terrible lizard guards.

 

“Kadence?” Emily choked out again, her voice cracking with loud sobs. With a massive heave, her stomach trembled as she fought against the vomit building inside her throat. A horrible acid taste nipped at her tongue, but Emily continued to struggle against her body's convulsing. Reaching out into the darkness surrounding her, she searched desperately for the familiar hands of her sister. Screaming suddenly when nothing touched her in return, the little girl flailed her arm back and forth violently, cutting her skin on the rough iron. “Kadence!?”

 

A twinge deep within her belly suddenly caused Emily to double over, making her arm drop mid-wave. Hitting the cold metal rim of the cell, it dangled helplessly over the side of the cage--limply expressing her tragedy. Pressing her blood-stained forehead against the jagged iron bar again, her anger and frustration broke out into the form of violent retching.

 

“Uhhhhh--” Green sickness spilled out through her mouth and onto the last bit of white still remaining on the satin dress. Heaving uncontrollably, the liquid continued to gush out of her body, covering the bars and floor of the cell. The vile stench of rot and bile filled her nostrils as Emily fell back—crashing against the dingy floor of her prison. Outstretched and convulsing, she soaked up her own vomit where she lay with the shredded, soiled cloth still clinging to her gaunt form. After a moment or two of twitching, Emily finally went still—her body going into shock.

 

She lay there, staring wide-eyed up at the black roof of her cage; mouth gaped open sucking in the warm, muggy air of the prison. The stench of her vomit suddenly was replaced by another smell—one that reeked of rotten eggs and vinegar. The sticky, dense odor filled her lungs and churned her stomach's acid out of her once again, spilling the hot, olive green liquid out of her mouth and down her cheeks. Her body shook again as her stomach muscles locked up, but she remained on her back--the dark room spinning around her as she continued to spew her inner fluids. Clamping down her eyes, she turned her head to the side allowing the thick bile to run out of her mouth and onto the cage floor. Concentrating on the happy song of the crickets outside, Emily tried to push her mind away from the reality of this hell. She was losing consciousness, but she continued to focus on those little bugs and their joyful music. Crickets…crickets……

 

A heavy door cloaked in the darkness of the room swung open, eliciting a shrill screech where the rotten wood scraped against the metal threshold. Shuttering as it came to a stop, the ancient corpse of a door allowed a steady stream of yellow light into the cell—illuminating the broken girl laying on the bottom of her prison. Two large lizard-like creatures came slithering in—the stench of eggs becoming much stronger as they slid closer to Emily. Inspecting the cage, the first demon's large yellow eyes suddenly flickered as the amphibious side-lids obstructed their view. Hastily, he grabbed the rusted iron bars of the cell and pulled them open, creating a high-pitched whine of metal against metal.

 

“Brother?” The other demon twisted his neck to the side in order to see his companion better. Hesitating for a second, the ugly creature flicked his long pink tongue out of his mouth in confusion. “What-”

 

“Fool, don't just stand there. Get the other one! Master's plan can't be completed if both of these girls are dead before the ascension.”

 

 

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Dismounting the black mechanical horse, Icellina hastily made her way towards the small birch tree-lined lagoon, not even turning back when D addressed her. Ducking under a low hanging branch, her head brushed lightly against the dark green leaves playing against the white stems from which they clung. Staring up at them momentarily, her grey eyes suddenly became as distant as the faint stars peaking out through dark clouds overhead. Gabriel. She slowly reached towards the branch. Why the hell does it always have to be birch trees?

 

From where D stood tying the reins of his horse to the broken trunk of a tree near the edge of the path, he watched the quiet dhampile as she ran a white hand through the cluster of green, letting the velvety surface slide against her fingers as the leaves fell back into place. With a light sigh, she frowned slightly and rippled through them again—causing a single yellow-stained leaf to separate from the group and fall to the earth. Following it down to its landing spot, Icellina knelt beside the little lost leaf and ran a finger down its spine. Everything ends so easily, doesn't it? Was this your fate little leaf…to be destroyed by my hand? Or, was I never meant to come here at all—never meant to even survive? Was death my fate? Was all of this never supposed to happen…should I be dead right now? She picked up the leaf and crumpled it with her hand. What about that? Was that your fate; your damn, sad fate, to be crushed by my hand without remorse? Is this dishonored existence now my fate?

 

Cocking his head to the side, D slowly circled around where she sat—careful not to disturb Icel's peace. A few dry leaves crunched briskly underneath his feet as he neared the edge of the lake, but Icellina didn't seem to care. The entire ride she'd ignored him; refusing to talk or listen to what he said to her. They had ridden together all the way from the cave to this lagoon—her in front with him right behind, but she still said nothing. Now it was almost dusk—the reddish purple light of the sky casting hazy shadows on the two of them and their horse, coloring the white of their skin with a bluish tint. They were preparing to rest by this lake after the long day of travel, but how much `rest' he would get, D didn't know. Perhaps if he just didn't bother Icel, she'd eventually acknowledge him and maybe even act nicely.

 

Sitting on the loose brown dirt near the creek, inside the comforting cool shadow of birch trees, Icellina played with the tiny green blades of grass by her legs. Plucking one piece from the earth, she brought it up to her face and breathed in its sweet scent. Ah…Smells like you after being outside all day. How you loved laying in the tall grass of our valley. Oh Gabriel…will I ever see you again? Should I for that matter? After all, this may be against the Gods plans. Perhaps I was meant to die back in that castle. Closing her eyes peacefully, she held the blade of grass underneath her nose for another long second then tossed it aside—watching as it disappeared beneath the clear blue of the water beneath. Knowing the kind of life I've led, I probably was…

 

“…Are you hungry?” D hesitated before stepping closer to the small woman resting on the cold earth beside him. Icel continued to ignore his question, until he was just about a foot away.

 

Listening to the crisp snapping of twigs beneath D's boots, Icellina ripped some more grass out of the earth and dug her long glass-like fingernails into the soil near her thigh. “Why?” Her electrifying grey eyes shot up at him with a vindictive stare. “Planning on tasting my blood again, D?” Averting her gaze out of disdain, she scoffed loudly and yanked more grass out of the ground. “Forget it.”

 

D was hurt by her words, but pressed the subject regardless. “I didn't mean that…I,” He stopped walking and looked flatly at her. “I simply wanted to know if you were hungry. For food, nothing else--”

 

“…No, I'm not hungry.” Without turning she addressed the dark hunter still standing near her body, throwing more grass into the lake. “We don't have any food anyways.”

 

“I know you're still mad at me,” He crouched down next to her, watching the slow moving water ripple over dark grey rocks lining the lake, “but you need to eat—we both do.” Exhaling deeply for a minute, he fell back—landing on the soft, mossy grass behind his form. Shifting to get comfortable, his steel-blue eyes fell upon the woman across from him once more. “I can feel what you're feeling Icellina, I know you're hungry…just as you can feel that I'm-”

 

“The sooner we get to town, the sooner this will all end.” She snapped her sad gaze up towards his, meeting his eyes dead on. Hesitating for a second, she swallowed deeply and ripped another handful of green from the ground near her legs. “As far as I'm concerned, you are just my ride.”

 

Taking his eyes off of Icellina disappointedly, D shifted in his seat again trying to untangle his long cape from underneath his body. Giving up, the young man gave a small huff and looked back to his wary companion. “….I'm sorry you feel that way.”

 

Avoiding his stare, Icellina continued to rub her hands through the dark green grass, ripping the individual strands out from the earth absentmindedly. “…Yeah well, I do.” She sniffed loudly for a second, still refusing to look at the towering dhampile next to her. I don't know what to feel…I don't even know if I should be here right now. Icellina brushed some dirt off her hands. “I just don't know why you are so okay with all of this. You drank blood, D—shouldn't you be upset as well?”

 

“The reasons behind my actions were enough to stop any ill feelings. I'm just glad I happened to hear your struggling from the second floor. Otherwise… ”

 

Otherwise I wouldn't be here. I get that—but, what if it wasn't supposed to happen. What if it was my destiny to die in that castle at the hands of that fucking lizard? Drinking blood is never an answer. Throwing some broken grass at D in a dismissible fashion, Icellina sighed gently as the cool night air glided against her skin. “Gabriel will never forgive me—not that I'd blame him. Look at me D, I'm exactly what everyone said I'd become; a monster. I'm no better than those despicable vampires we hunt.” She ripped some more grass out of the earth and flung it at D. “After all these years of trying so hard to prove them wrong, I failed. We both did. How can you just sit there calmly and ignore what happened? We are no better than vampires…”

 

Grabbing her shoulders with his porcelain hands, D held onto Icellina; forcing her to look up at his milky white face. She didn't fight him as he had thought she would. Instead, it seemed she was more shocked than anything. Dropping the blades of grass back onto the ground through limp fingers, Icel's eyes were wide as he continued to hold her. Even though her gaze was locked onto his, the ancient dhampile's grey eyes were abnormally distant—staring right through D into an unknown time and place.

 

“Icel…these words you say, you can't truly believe them can you?” D gently pressed his icy hands onto her skin, causing the supple flesh of her arm to slide beneath his long fingers. “Tell me, do you have even the slightest urge to drink my blood right now? Do you, even when we are so close to one another?” Rubbing her smooth skin, D leaned forward allowing his shiny, chestnut hair to cascade down his chest.

 

Hesitating for a moment, Icellina shook her head and quietly murmured an answer. “…No…” But, who's to say I won't in time? Who's to say I'm even supposed to be here? She looked down finally, playing inattentively with the laces of her skirt.

 

With a small motion, he pulled the ancient dhampile towards him, embracing her against his leather-clad chest. Giving a surprised whimper, the slender woman melted into D, burying her smooth face into the soft material covering his body. “See, we are not monsters. We only did what needed to be done.”

 

What needed to be done? What if it was a mistake…what if this all was never meant to be? Her thoughts traveled quickly inside her mind, but Icellina tried to hide it from D. “I'm just so scared…” Her soft muffling against his chest caused D's pulse to quicken. Tightening his embrace against her taught back, he found the recess between her shoulder blades with his hands and began stroking Icellina in this tender spot.

 

“It's alright to be scared. It means you're alive--” He looked down at her half-buried face and brought his hand up to her temple. Brushing some of Icel's thick black hair behind her ear, D carefully played with the little frizzes that sprouted from her hairline.

 

Alive? That's the thing—what if I'm not supposed to be alive? She adjusted her body, allowing D better access to her cheek. “But, what if I do hurt someone later on? What if I hurt Gabriel--” She broke off to lift her face towards his. Staring into his silvery-blue eyes trying to find the answers within them, she whispered in a hurried voice, “What if I hurt you?”

 

This took D by surprise, but the only visible shock on his face was the slight widening of his eyes. “..Me? Why would that—”

 

“—After all you've done for me…it hurts me to think of such things. You saved me twice, and now we're here alone—on our way back to civilization. I would have died without your help, but at what price did I survive? What if I do lose control and hurt you? I could never live with myself.” She reached up in an attempt to touch his cheek, but pulled her hand away quickly instead. Turning her eyes away from him, Icellina settled her face back down onto his armor defeated. I don't want to hurt you D…I…She looked down, breathing in deeply. …I love you.

 

D looked down at her partially hidden face; her mesmerizing iridescent grey eyes barely peeking out from beneath thick black lashes. So is that it—is that the reason she's been acting so distant? She was afraid of hurting me? The night around them had grown quite dark—save for the bright white orb shinning from behind the back-lit clouds above. Crickets had made this little lake their home, brightly chirping their monotonous song despite the depressing ambiance surrounding them. Soft moonlight played with Icellina's pale complexion, lighting up her white skin with a soft silver aura, and illuminating her shinning black hair that gently flowed in the breeze. She was beautiful, almost too beautiful to be real. Her skin was like marble, white and immaculate--carefully sculpted to be perfectly smooth and even. Clinging to him helplessly, waiting for his strength and hope to end her suffering, she was like a lost angel without her wings and halo—relying on D for solace through tough times. The reassurance that Icellina wanted D didn't know if he could give, however. It was true that they both may lose control someday—now that they've tasted blood, it was hard to say if the two of them would be able to be near humans anymore. Then again, we never really did belong among humans, did we?

 

Angst filled his heart as the result of her powerful emotions—D could feel Icellina's pain and confusion even more than she could. Ever since they had left that cave, the bond between them had grown stronger. Not just the subtle pain in their neck connected them now. Can you feel my sadness as well? Can you sense my confusion, even though you try to close yourself off from me?

 

“I don't know that I can say the words you want to hear—and be truthful about them,” He rubbed the pale skin of her cheek with his long milky-white fingers, loving the softness it offered. “…I don't know if what has been done will affect us after this day is over...if we'll still share this connection or be tempted to feed off others.” D held Icel's face as warm tears fell from her eyes. Stopping them as they rolled down her cheek, D gently wiped them away with his thumb eliciting a low sigh from Icel. “ I do know one thing, however: We must hold on to our sanity regardless of what time does to us. We must fight to stay in control of our destinies.”

 

Destiny? She stopped breathing, holding onto her breath as her eyes widened. What is my destiny anymore? “What if I can't? What if this is it for me?” Icellina shifted her gaze, watching the steady flowing water below her in the lagoon. What if my fate was altered and this is all wrong. I shouldn't be here—I shouldn't love you like this…right? Damnit, I shouldn't love you like this! This can't be right, can it? D's hand remained on her face, but she didn't dare look up at him. Shame tainted her once haunting grey eyes. No, no I shouldn't, I don't even know you. Yeah, that's right. This connection between us is confusing the reality of the situation. I don't know you, not enough to love you anyways. She exhaled deeply, biting her lip gently. But, for some reason I just can't shake this feeling. Why do I love you? Icellina let go of her lip. Do you love me, I wonder? Pressing her head deeper into D's chest, she allowed herself to be gently moved in time with his breathing. It felt good to be next to him, to feel the warmth of his body caressing hers. But, these feelings can't be real. No… It's this damn blood bond—it's like a hallucinogen. Yeah, that has to be it. “I wonder if I should have just died back at that castle. What if that was my destiny? What if I was meant to die back there—and you were never meant to find me? None of this would have happened…”

 

She looked back at D suddenly, reaching up to graze his neck with her fingertips. A small tremble shook both of them simultaneously—once again proving their strong bond. Those strong delusions came back again, stirring a tight sensation that gripped her heart. No… The night's bustling ambiance suddenly went still—even the crickets seemed to end their repetitive songs for this aching second of deafening silence. Maybe it's not our bond doing it…Touching D's neck again, Icellina closed her eyes as she waited for the familiar twinge of uneasiness to rush her veins. The result was different some how this time, it didn't carry with it the tense brooding like before. Opening her eyes, she looked at D, finding his reaction was the same. What is going on? “…D…” She moved closer to his lips.

 

“Icellina--”

 

What are you doing Icel!? Snapping her head back down, Icellina fought against the urge to kiss him. “I'm sorry this had to happen to you. You seem to be a good person; you don't deserve my fate, D. Perhaps I really was meant to die back there.” She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest once again. The soothing sounds of the night came rushing back to her ears. Those damn crickets just don't know when to stop, do they? Don't they realize we are the damned? We don't deserve to listen to their music. Tears trickled down her face once more, but she brushed them away in an irritated manner.

 

D's face remained unchanged, but his inner turmoil ripped his heart and mind in two. Part of him indeed wondered the same thing—if saving Icellina was the right thing to do. He couldn't imagine being here without her, but his mind reminded him that his whole life could have been destroyed by that single act of `kindness'. Feeling her warm body adjust on top of his, he suddenly became aware that Icel could feel his doubts. Pushing all negative thoughts away, D straightened his back and tried to focus on the positive.

 

Hesitating for a moment, he slowly dropped his head to gently rest on hers. “If you would have died back there,” D closed his eyes and wrapped his arms tighter around her back, “I don't think I could have lived with myself. Does it really matter if my saving you was meant to happen? What matters is that you are alive, and that you are here—sitting with me right now, perfectly fine. That is your new fate, regardless of what it was before.”

 

“Why do you feel so strongly for me? Willing to risk your very existence, just so that I will be alright? Just think about it D. Doesn't our situation seem a little odd to you?” She lifted her head causing D's to rear back abruptly. A strange expression soon filled Icellina's sparkling grey eyes as she quickly moved her hand up around D's chin, resting her fingers on his soft lips. “Why are we sitting here right now; wrapped around each other like old lovers, when we hardly even know each other?” She moved in closer to him, pressing her chest against his and feeling the rushed movements of his breathing rocking her body back and forth. “Why does my heart quicken at your touch on my skin, and your breath on my lips? And, more importantly—why does your heart quicken at my touch?” She slowly moved her gaze to his mouth—just inches away from hers.

 

He could feel her powerful emotions fill his heart again, this time eliciting a different effect on his body. Crashing into D through waves of raw passion and need, Icellina's sudden affection made the dhampile close his eyes submissively.

 

“Icellina--” His jaw tightened. D's eyes remained closed as his hands searched the soft skin of her back un-aided. His arousal was obvious as he lifted Icel up slightly to allow her long legs better access to straddle him. “…Icel…”

 

“Hmmm, so you can feel it too--this passion between us. When I touch your face; your lips, I know you feel the same way as I do. Why fight it?” Pushing herself against D again, Icellina used her free hand to seductively stroke his neckline. “I guess it doesn't matter why we feel like this—it's too good to just ignore.” Gliding her slender fingers down his chest, she closed her eyes and moved closer to his mouth. Shifting on top of D once again--pressing herself onto his lap, Icellina moved her hand down D's torso. A small, husky moan came from his throat, causing his illuminated eyes to jolt open. “Can you feel that, D?”

 

“Icel…” Pushing her away gently, D shook his head solemnly. “We can't.”

 

Hurt by his refusal, Icellina broke hastily from his embrace—moving back into her original spot near the lake. The moon's silvery light shown through the dark, menacing trees in bright spurts of white and grey, covering her body with a white aura. It was practically full now, save for the thin grey clouds overlapping its right side. Reflecting gently off the calm surface of the water beneath the ancient dhampile, the shimmering lines of moonlight danced over Icellina's porcelain skin, causing a wave of unrequited lust to wash over D's heart.

 

“I just don't understand you D; one moment you're embracing me, the next you push me away. If it feels right, why not be together? Who cares why we have this connection—you said it yourself, `It's alright to be scared. It means we're alive'. Why don't we just live in this moment and through caution to the wind?”

 

“I'm sorry, I can't.”

 

In an impulsive move, Icellina untied her boots and threw them off onto the ground. Standing up from her spot near D, she nonchalantly glanced back towards her unwilling lover's general area. Hardly looking at him, Icel hesitated for a moment then turned back to the water. “I think I'll take a swim. I still have dried blood on me from before, and it would be great to finally feel clean after that week of torture.” Her voice dripped with disappointment. Unlacing her corset, she narrowed her eyes towards D's flustered face. “Do you mind? I know you've seen much more of me than this, but after denying me before—well, you catch my drift.”

 

Standing up reluctantly, D nodded his head and turned politely. “I'll go get us some dinner.”

 

“Hmph,” Icellina finished undoing the tight black strings that secured the leather corset to her body, removing the garment and revealing her delicate curves. “Fine. Go kill something; I'll cook whatever you bring back.” Her voice, thick with an ethereal accent that was both seductive and dangerous, echoed inside D's mind long after he had disappeared into the darkness of the forest.

 

Untying her skirt, she slid the black leather down her lean legs until it hit the ground. Stepping out of the material one leg at a time, Icellina carefully picked up both articles of clothing and walked over to D's horse. “You don't mind if I lay my outfit on your back, do you?” She laughed uneasily, setting down the outfit and petting the steed's head. A rough mechanical whinny came from within the machine's body in response to this, but Icel didn't pay attention to it.

 

Taking in a small sniff of the air, her face suddenly contorted with disgust. “Oh—no wonder he forced me away like that,” She made another face, lifting her arm up to smell her skin, “I smell rancid. Ugh…”

 

 

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Creeping through the dark brush near the cave, Marle quietly stalked her unsuspecting prey, inching her way towards him--bow in hand. Only the steady droning of her heartbeat echoing inside her ears, and the chirping of crickets near her feet, interrupted the dense silence of the night surrounding both of them—she made sure not to disturb the dead leaves lining her path and was careful not to step on any twigs. Gliding closer to where the tall dhampile sat, Marle watched as Gabriel sighed towards the stars and hunched over. Seated on top of a boulder, hands cradling head as he peered at the night sky, the dhampile was a sad sight to see.

 

He still waited for his love to return, but the once strong hope had since weakened into uncertainty. It was true Gabriel was skeptical that Icellina would ever come back. As much as it hurt to admit it, the chance that she was still alive out there was slim. Icel…

 

The moon above was practically full, shining its murky white light down through the thin milky clouds and across the field, providing ample light to see by. But, a dhampile didn't need any moon to light his darkness. Night vision was second nature to those creatures. Marle had to be careful.

 

Red hair like hers, especially thick, shiny red hair, would be too easy to see among the dark green of the forest. He'd be able to pick her out without even trying. The memory of Gabriel overwhelming her before caused Marle's small hand to grip the smooth wood of the bow tightly. I won't let him get away again. Taking aim, she silently propped the heavy weapon on her knee—steadying the shining, slick wire that was secured to each end of her bow. Pulling back her left hand, she tightened the line and held the pose for what seemed an eternity. Warm, sticky perspiration formed on the tanned skin above her brow, trickling down her face between her eye and nose. Relax, you have him.

 

Realizing she was holding onto her breath, she exhaled slowly--careful not to make her presence known to Gabriel. Swallowing a stale lump of saliva, Marle closed her eyes and focused her mind. This is for you Mother, Father, Ellaina. This is for my family. With a quick rush of air, the woman opened her eyes and released her grip on the arrow, sending it flying determined towards its target.

 

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Dragging the shredded dead body of a deer behind him, D walked slowly through the forest towards the make-shift camp he and Icellina had created. Dark red liquid spilled over the soil where the animal made contact with the ground, staining the crumpled leaves and grass of the path. The smell of burnt hair and intestines was present in the air, but D tried his best to ignore it. His mind was on other matters, and his face was tight with concern. Finding and killing this animal wasn't what bothered the dhampile—he was an experienced hunter after all. Discovering what appeared to be tracks, D had followed them until stumbling upon the glen where the buck slept. Ending this animal's life wasn't even an issue. Going back to Icellina was what D feared more than anything. He'd left her upset, and he knew he would hear about it more tonight.

 

It was true that D wanted her—in more ways than one. Icel caused new, exciting emotions to grow inside his heart and spread like wild fire throughout his body. But, he had declared women forbidden a long time ago. The threat of accidentally continuing their race was too strong to ignore. He'd never be responsible for creating another dhampile—especially when he himself knew what kind of life they lived. Abstinence was his only choice. She is beautiful, but…we can never be. Even if I do have feelings for her.

 

“So, why didn't you kiss that girl when you had the chance?” The familiar husky voice of Left Hand broke the silence around D. Without waiting for an answer, the impatient parasite quickly added more of his opinions, causing D to tighten his jaw again. “She is beautiful, sexy…white…very white, actually. Milky-white…why is that girl so damn white? Yeah, she's a dhampile, but does she have to be that pale? It's a wonder people don't mistake her for a ghost.”

 

D squeezed his hand into a fist to end the conversation. Crossing over a log, he carefully lifted the deer carcass off the ground and placed it down on the other side, making sure not to damage the meat in the process. Wiping some blood off his hand, he grabbed the hind leg of the buck and continued walking. D wasn't too far from the campsite now.

 

“Just answer me this: why didn't you just kiss her at least? She wanted you man—she was practically begging you to wrestle her to the ground and make wild monkey love. You can't honestly be that against companionship, can you?” He gave a stiff laugh. “Yeah, I know…`girls are off-limits'--yada, yada, yada. What are you so afraid of?” Left Hand paused for a quick second. “You aren't turning gay on me, are you? `Cause, I would understand if you did…but, I don't know how comfortable I'd be attached to you anymore.”

 

D remained walking--crunching loudly through the thick brush lining his path, trying his hardest not to acknowledge Left Hand's chitchatting. That parasite was getting on D's last nerve. One of these days hand…

 

“Wha?” Left Hand's voice became shrill as he picked up hints of dark plotting churning though D's mind. “You better not…you know if you cut me off, I'll just come back. That's a promise dhampile! There is no need for this violence, just admit you're gay—you're not fooling anyone.”

 

Splashing water drowned out D's frustration, Left Hand's harsh voice becoming replaced by the silky rush of liquid against skin. Dragging the animal's leg still, D walked towards the noise, mesmerized by the mystery of what was to come. Stepping into the grassy clearing near his horse, D emerged from the dense forest—his mouth gaping open at the sight before him.

 

There she was, that dark-haired angel in all her glory, springing out from the clear blue water of the lake—her taught back arched as she flung her arms up to rake her soaked black hair back. Little rivulets of liquid swam down her smooth body, leaving behind tiny clear beads of sparkling water in their wake. The water's edge caressed her upper thighs and hips, hugging her supple curves seductively. Her long black tresses, undone from that binding braid, hung straight and thick against her delicate back muscles, dipping far beneath the calm surface of the water. Smoothing down her loose bangs, Icellina didn't seem to notice D watching her from behind the birch tree near the lagoon's edge. Tucking a few stray hairs behind her ear, Icel gathered the loose mane behind her neck and pulled it free from her shoulders.

 

D clung to the peeling white bark of the birch tree in front of him, using the trunk as a shield to keep Icellina from seeing him. He had dropped the deer next to his horse, and now was free to enjoy the scene unfolding before his eyes. He felt bad for watching this spectacle, but he just couldn't pull himself away. Gliding his steel-blue eyes over her impressive body, D was surprised at how wonderful she looked in this new setting. She was stunning on her own, but when combined with the reflections dancing across her curves, and the water dripping off of her body—D was in awe. Stepping closer to her, the dhampile accidentally broke a twig underneath his boot, sending a sharp snap across the lake to Icel's ears.

 

Twisting swiftly towards the noise, Icellina yelped and wrapped her arms in front of her body. Sinking deeper into the water so that everything beneath her shoulders was obstructed from D's view, the naked woman growled. “What the hell do you think you're doing? I told you not to look!” She made her way to the bank, never taking her fiery eyes off of D. Standing behind an overhanging edge of shore, she hissed. “How dare you!”

 

D turned his face away from her. “I brought back meat for dinner, it's over there,” He pointed solemnly to where his horse was. D could hear the water's aggravated splashing against the rocks, but he didn't dare look to see what caused the sound. Before long, Icellina—still naked and wet—was standing directly in front of him.

 

“So, you think you can just come back and watch me? You should be ashamed! Deny me before, and then have the nerve to stalk me while I bathe?” She reached up to hit him, gritting her teeth with anger. Her body was exposed, but she didn't care. “Bastard!”

 

With little effort, D caught her fist and held it suspended near his face. Icellina struggled briefly, shaking the long, wet hair from its position covering her body. Exposing her breasts as the dark strands flew behind her shoulder, Icel swung her other arm up to counter-attack him. Using his right hand to stop her assault, D watched as the woman savagely pulled against him to get loose. She was fairly strong, brutally growling as she yanked against his grip. But, she wasn't a match for D. Screaming angrily, Icellina continued to struggle, cursing and thrashing despite her nakedness. It was quiet an enticing sight to see.

 

“Son of a bit--”

 

Overwhelming warmth rushed over D suddenly, causing him to impulsively move Icel's hands from his face and draw her lips closer to his. Her anger was quelled as he lifted her body up, wrapping his strong grip around her back and holding her against him. With an animalist lust, Icellina wrapped her long legs around D's waist and grabbed his shoulders. Taking off his cape and armor, she enthusiastically freed her lover of his accessories, pulling off his hat and spilling the rich brown tresses down his forehead. Rubbing the silky black hair which hung close to her chin, D shifted unexpectedly as his strong arousal caused a new sensation to grow between his legs. Falling heavily against the birch tree, D turned and pushed Icellina against the peeling bark instead—feeling her body's curves as she attempted to take off his bodysuit.

 

Looking deeply into Icellina's ethereal eyes, D remembered that night—that night they shared their essence. The sweet metallic taste still lingered on his lips, and with each new second he fondled her, the need to have her again beat stronger and stronger within his veins. With quickened breath, D closed the distance between their faces, pressing his lips firmly against Icel's and dropping his arms to her waist. Tightening her legs around his body, the ancient dhampile moaned deeply, sending a wave of satisfying pleasure through D's veins. Separating his lips gently with hers, Icellina filled D's mouth with her wet tongue and ran her fingers through his wavy hair. Returning her advances, the stoic dhampile pulled Icel's body towards his, grasping the small of her back with his hands and pushing himself into her.

 

“…No!” He growled, breaking from her abruptly and pulling away. Dropping her body from its previous position, he let Icel go, crashing to the ground. Stepping back slightly, D wiped his mouth briskly with the back of his hand.

 

Landing on soft dirt with a light thud, Icellina hoisted herself up with her arms and twisted her face into a scowl. Brushing some loose soil off of her naked body, she narrowed her eyes and stared menacingly at D. “Not again! Make up your fucking mind, damnit!” She made a little effort to stand, pushing some hair behind her ear absentmindedly. “Damn you! Either you want me or you don't! Don't play games with me D, I won't put up with this crap anymore.” Moving around him, Icellina walked towards her outfit that still sat on top of D's horse. Grabbing her clothes, she seized a section of long hair covering her shoulder and swung it back behind her body violently.

 

D's heart was racing. “Where are you going?” His mind was jumping from thought to thought uncontrollably, but nothing made sense. He didn't want to be with Icel that way, but he didn't want to lose her either. Holding out his hand, he made an effort to walk nearer to her, but decided against it when Icellina's icy stare chiseled into his heart. Hurt by her anger, D let his arm drop back down to his side defeated.

 

“I'm going find somewhere else to sleep tonight…damned if I lay next to you. Crazy bastard.” She hastily put on her outfit, lacing the leather ties on the back of her corset incorrectly from rushing. Discovering her error, she gritted her teeth and made a series of disgruntled protests, pulling up her skirt around her hips regardless.

 

D gestured sadly towards the deer still laying near his horse. The ground was painted red where the animal had been dropped, and the smell of rotting meat was thick in the air. “What about dinner?”

 

“I'm not hungry anymore. Why don't you just eat it yourself.” She strapped her sword's belt around her hips, and fastened her boots back onto her legs. “Fool.” Without turning, Icellina marched off into the forest—disappearing amongst the dense sections of dark green and black.