Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Dangerous Wounds ❯ Melting Away to Flame ( Chapter 6 )

Author's Notes: Don't ya just love my tidbits before each chapter? Anyway, for now...I can't exactly figure out how to make things italic, sooo...you're going to have to suffer with some improvised things. The majority of the words in the conversations that were once italic are now in between dashes to stress them out. Like that first sentence down there. And thoughts, will be between asterisks from now on. It was the only way I could think of doing it with the lack of proper gramatical characteristics. Thanks for reviewing so far... :D I appreciate the feedback a lot. And don't worry, by the next chapter...there shall be even more fluff to make up for angsty type things. Plus, I gotta introduce other slayers, ne? ^__^; Though, unfortunately...I'm going to try and enter a fanfiction contest for Christmas...so this may not get updated again until January. I'm not abadoning the story...never ever. I love my Escaflowne characters way too much to do that, but just don't expect an update between now and December 22nd. There very well may be one, but then again...there might not. It all depends on how able I am to come up with ideas and write. Anyway, I'll shut up now and let you get to the darn story... ;D.

"I don't see why -I- have to train some wretched kid..."

Two older men were seated at a table in one of the rooms aboard a floating fortress which obviously belonged to Zaibach. One of the flags was attacked somehow to the wall and that of course was illuminated by candle light. As for the duo, they were clad in armor, though one's was far more elaborate than the other. Appearances were the opposite as well. One had cropped locks of pale flaxen and the other much darker strands; one was clean shaven and handsome while the other had a much more gruff appearance with his rather thin mustache. Though it was the light-haired one who was obviously the higher up of the two and he was also the one who spoke at the current moment.

"Do the Madoushi really think I have nothing better to do than to baby-sit some little brat?" The general continued, swishing around some vino in a glass.

The subordinate eyed him, but then shrugged, "They said the boy was 'special,' so perhaps that means he's a quick learner and there won't be all that much to teach."

"But there are much better things I could be doing! I could be stationing troops in Omora to help seize their territory, but instead this is where they left me..." The man hung his head with a sigh. "I don't think Lord Dornkirk quite appreciates my full potential."

"General..." The other started, but cut himself off quite unsure of what to say. He didn't want to comfort him; he didn't even like him all that much. So, he just shook his head. "Maybe you're right."

The general looked toward him in surprise. It had been one of those moments where he beat up on himself and expected to be comforted in return, but instead that was all he got. Those eyes narrowed slightly, "You better watch it, soldier. I didn't ask for your opinion."

Luckily a knock on the door prevented the conversation from proceeding and after entry was permitted by words, a couple of the sorcerers stepped inside ushering along none other than Dilandau. The boy was in a fairly tranquil mood. One where he just followed along without the normal resistance's he would put up. Eerie garnet oculars rested on the dark-haired commander first and the man shifted visibly, apparently uncomfortable with the staring. That was almost amusing to the child and so he watched him a little longer, that is until his shoulder was grasped by one of the cloaked men. He pried his attention away from the stranger and raised it to the Madoushi.

"Dilandau, this is General Finley Rayne..." There was a motion toward the blond and afterward he pointed to the victim of Dilandau's observation. "And that is Adelphos Gein, his second-in-command. These are the two that you'll be staying with and receiving training from. Do you understand?"

The boy nodded once.

"You are to listen to them and obey what they say. Insubordinance will not be tolerated. If they order you to do something, you do it. And that means no attacking them if you disapprove..." The sorcerer concluded.

Finley raised his brows, "Attack? The kid attacks people?"

There was an indifferent shrug from the man, "He has been known to have violent outbursts from time to time. But don't worry, General. I'm certain it's nothing you can't handle..."

With those words the sorcerers shoved Dilandau forward somewhat and then departed from the room. The general eyed his pupil with an upraised brow. Something just did not seem right about him. Maybe it was the unusual hair color or the abnormally pale skin. No, it had to be piercing red eyes...they were the most haunting thing about the boy. Though, at the current moment, Dilandau seemed mildly harmless, just busying himself by looking around the room. That is, until he saw the burning candles. That was where the meandering gaze stopped.

Adelphos peered at the boy and then looked over at the general, "I think he's some kind of demon."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Finley snapped and then pushed himself up to his feet. "Dilandau, is it?"

The child didn't move his eyes when he was addressed, just simply watched the leaping flames, quite mesmerized by their provocative dance. Finley narrowed his eyes as he was ignored. One hand lifted to strike the alabaster cheek with his open palm. Dilandau blinked, staggering back somewhat, and he glanced toward the man with surprise. It didn't take long for such pale skin to redden.

"When I talk to you, you answer me!" Finley spoke sharply. "Now, you're name is Dilandau, right?"

The youth simply nodded, though a look of shock was still present upon his feminine features. Never, in his short existence had he been treated like that. No one lifted a hand to him violently, and now this general had. Dilandau hated it; somehow the weakness and vulnerability he had gotten to him. He wanted to lash out and slap him back. But, instead he just stood back, a bit intimidated by the elder. Perhaps that all would change. Though, before he knew what was happening, a sword had been shoved into his arms.

"That is your weapon. What you will be using for training sessions. I'm not going to go easy on you just because you're a kid, so you better hope you're a pretty fast learner..." The general reached down for his own sword.

Dilandau wasn't sure what he was talking about, but he quickly mimicked the way Finley held his sword in front of him. The man shifted forward a step and brought his blade beneath Dilandau's, lifting it upward. This quickly disarmed him and the boy watched the sword fly from his grip, sliding against the nearest wall. Unsure of what to do really, he just stood there, looking toward the general's weapon.

"Ugh! No, no, no! You're supposed to keep a hold of your sword!" The man shook his head in disgust at the pathetic youth.

The boy arched his brows and then took a step backward, moving to his blade again. That was lifted up in the same position as before and doing what he did best, Dilandau watched Finley for his move. The more experienced one charged forward, bringing the blades together. This time, the boy kept a tight grip on his and forced all his strength into holding it up. Well, if the object of this was to hit the other person, Dilandau could try and do just that. He ducked beneath the general's arm and went to whack him with the flat side of the metal. Seeing this in time, Finley deflected the attack and managed to pierce the child's arm with the tip of his sword. Dilandau let out a yelp and quickly snapped away; his weapon clattered to the ground and a few droplets of blood descended downward, staining the metallic blade.

The man grinned, withdrawing the saber, "If you're going to get worked up over a little cut, then maybe being a soldier isn't for you, kid. Come on, Adelphos. Let's get something to eat."

With a chuckle, General Finley stepped out, followed up by his subordinate. Dilandau glared after the blond-haired one, before he made his way to the corner, flopping on the floor. His eyes lowered to the wounded arm and he just watched the vermilion fluid seep from him.

*What's going to happen to me?* Dilandau thought absently. It wasn't as though he was worried, more like curious. *Those bastards just left me here to die too.*

*You shouldn't use foul language. You're too young...* The girl's voice pointed out.

*Don't tell me what to do! I got enough people doing that already...*

*I-I'm sorry...* She sounded a bit hurt. *Do you want me to go?*

Dilandau blinked and then sighed, *No...no you can stay. But, only until they come back.*

*Why don't you want me around any more, Dilandau? It's always only when it's dark or when you're alone. You used to need me more than that!*

*I didn't need you. You just showed up.*

*Oh! So, you didn't need me, huh? Then how come you don't talk to anyone else, huh?*

*Get off my back! They're just not worth talking to. I'm better than them, you know...*

*Better? Pshaw...then why did you let that Finley guy push you around then? He gave you a pretty nasty cut on your arm and then he ran off like he didn't care.*

*Yeah, like you could do any better...*

*I bet I could...'cus you're just a wimp.*

*Shut up!*

*Wimp, wimp, wimp...*

*Shut up! Just--*

Dilandau narrowed his eyes, snapping at the darkness but this time aloud, "Shut UP!!"

Pulling a gasp into his lips, his voice seemed to echo off the walls of the vacant room, leaving him stunned. Those were the first verbal words he had said since his creation, and despite the noise he had just made, all seemed much quieter in his mind. It was a relief to be the only one in there, rather than having that strange girl to talk to. She just didn't seem to understand her place in his brain and that he was the one in control. But for now, all was quiet...just the way Dilandau liked. He settled back against the wall and closed his eyes to enjoy the silence that more than likely wouldn't last for long.

* * *

"Several bruises and a broken tail bone..." A healer examined a young blonde child, turning his attention toward the lad's mother. One hand reached forward to knock back her cloak and reveal a purplish discoloration around her eye. The man frowned. "And a mother with a black eye. Mrs. Templeton, it's pretty obvious what's going on here..."

Valeria fidgeted uncomfortably, fumbling with the hood's edge and bringing that back up over her head, "What you think about the causes for this are not what you're getting money for. You're only supposed to patch up my son..."

Chesta looked between the two and then sighed. His inability to walk properly was what brought him there. Of course, it was all in secret. Zaccheus couldn't know they were out. He would probably call them weak and then wind up beating on them again. Chesta hated his actions, though he wasn't all too sure he hated the man. Zaccheus was his father after all. In some ways he was obligated to love him, even if that meant looking past the physical abuse.

"The only thing I can do is wrap him up properly. It's up to him to stay in bed until he's all better. But, I don't think he would be able to do that in the environment you two apparently live in. It would be all right with me if you decided to stay at my home. Your son would be much safer there," The doctor pointed out.

"We couldn't possibly intrude like that, sir. Chesta will be fine at home. I'll take care of him..." The woman assured.

"But, who will take care of you...?"

Valeria visibly slouched.

"Look," The man started. "It really won't be that much of a bother to me. And apparently the house you live in isn't all that safe. If you won't do this for yourself, then do it for your son. If you truly love him, then please take him away from a place that'll only hurt him."

Chesta raised his eyes to the healer and then to his mother. He wasn't all that certain if he should speak up, but he decided to do so anyway, "The doctor seems nice, mommy. I-I think I'd rather stay with him for a while. Especially after daddy--"

Valeria frowned as Chesta cut himself off and she slowly looked toward the other, shaking her head with a sigh, "But we don't even know your name..."

"Well, if it would help, I'm Doctor Caspar Kovacs, the main healer of this clinic. I believe you could trust someone like that..." He offered her a smile.

"But I..." She looked to her son again and then nodded with defeat. "Take him there first. I must make sure that Zaccheus isn't suspicious. I'll meet you there late tonight, when I can sneak away."

Caspar shook his head to the affirmative and then he carefully reached downward to gather Chesta's form. The boy allowed himself to be lifted, quite surprised at how gently this stranger handled him. Maybe this really was for the best. Not only would he be able to heal in peace, but the man was a doctor, one that would check out Chesta's well-being.

"Well...this is the place..." Caspar carried Chesta up the porch stairs, sending a glance back toward Valeria who had followed them there. "Are you sure you don't want to come in?"

"No, I'll have plenty of time to see it later..." Valeria moved up the steps, brushing the hair out of Chesta's face and placing a kiss on his forehead. "Do you want anything, baby? When I go back home, I can bring you whatever toys you'd like..."

"Just Jitters...." The boy nodded slowly. He was back to having only one friend and that was his stuffed bear.

"All right, I'll be sure to bring him," She smiled warmly to her son and then lifted her attention toward the handsome doctor. "Thank you so much for all of your kindness."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Templeton. It's the least I could do for you and your young son. Such good people just don't deserve to be treated the way your husband treats you..."

"Please, Caspar, you don't have to be so formal with me. Call me Valeria..."

"Valeria, a name very befitting of you, Mrs. Templeton. It's rather beautiful...I'll do my best to call you by your normal name..."

She smiled and even blushed slightly as she stepped back, "Well, I'll return tonight. Good-bye, Chesta...be good."

"Bye, mommy..." Chesta waved.

"See you tonight, Valeria..." Caspar then looked down at the youth in his grasp. "Well, let's get you inside."

Upon opening the door, a rather spacious living room was revealed. The couch was pressed back against the farthest wall and a few chairs were beside it. On a table in the corner, there was a bowl which housed a tiny goldfish. Books filled all four shelves of the case and everything seemed so neat and orderly. It was far different from Chesta's home since no matter how many times Valeria cleaned it, Zaccheus always found someway to ruin things.

Chesta continued to study the surroundings as they ascended the staircase. Several portraits of people, nature, etc., lined the way to the second floor, covering up some vacant wall space. The boy found himself carried into a nice room where everything was rather plain, but clean. It wasn't too overly decorated so as to be considered feminine, but it wasn't all that masculine either. Just a plain little bedroom with a fluffy white cat asleep on a folded patchwork quilt.

Caspar moved over slowly, tugging the blankets free from their tucked in position, and he lay Chesta down there, pulling the covers over the boy's chest. The injured one offered a smile and then raised his attention toward the ceiling. Suddenly, he felt some pressure on his small frame and looked downward to see the cat was pattering up closer to his face. It dug claws into the bedding and then curled up with a purr.

Caspar shook his head with a chuckle, "Don't mind Snowflake. She's just trying to say hello. You should probably get some sleep now. It would do you a lot of good..."

"I can't," Chesta sighed. "I need Jitters in order to sleep well in any place."

"Oh, well then maybe I could make you something to eat."

"No, I'm fine. I'm not hungry."

"Ah, all right," Caspar nodded, reaching forward to stroke the animal's fur.

Both fell into silence until Chesta finally broke it, "You're like...the hero. The one who's going to save my Mom from the evil monster and live happily ever after with her. Just like my favorite story my mommy tells me..."

The healer looked at him a bit surprised, but he shook his head with a laugh, "Only time will tell, Chesta..."

"Well, I think that you are. I always thought of me as the hero in the book, but since Celena disappeared and she was my princess...I just don't think I'm all that good of a hero. But, I bet you are. I bet you'll stop all the bad things from happening to my mommy..."

"I...I hope that you're right. You and your mother don't deserve to be treated this way. I just hope that I have the power to do something about it."

"You probably do. Like the hero in the story, he didn't realize he had the power inside of him all along. I bet...that it's all hidden inside of you. You just need to unlock it, Mr. Kovacs."

* * *

Dilandau shifted a bit in discomfort on his makeshift cot which had been placed in that very room. The two older men were eating their dinner at the table and all Dilandau could do was watch them from afar like some young pup begging to be fed. The lovely smell of various foods wafted in his direction and he could feel his mouth water, wanting nothing more than to be handed a few scraps. But, the hungry boy was ignored as the general carried on a conversation with his subordinate.

Dilandau narrowed his eyes. He hated being ignored like that. Even though attention wasn't something he was a big fan of (especially the kind the sorcerers gave), this was ridiculous! At least the Madoushi fed him. The boy wouldn't stand for it. He reached over for the sword he was given, removing it quietly from it's sheath. The weapon itself was set aside and he aimed the holster for the back of Finley's head. Counting down in his mind, Dilandau thrust it forward, watching with some sick satisfaction as it pegged him right on target.

"Shit!" The general swore, dumbfounded by what had just happened to him.

Adelphos stopped eating for a moment and glanced toward the demon child in the corner, "Perhaps he just wanted your attention..."

Finley snapped upright, baring his teeth as he turned around slowly to face Dilandau, "So, you've got guts after all...attacking while I'm unaware...but unfortunately for you, you didn't kill me!"

The platinum-haired boy didn't have a chance to react before his throat was clutched by the elder's hand. Garnet's widened with a mix of shock and fear, and Dilandau was finding that it was more and more difficult to breathe. Finley sneered down at him and tightened his grip. Though, this wouldn't go on for much longer once the door slid open.

Dilandau shifted his attention toward the man in the entrance way. He was young, surprisingly young compared to the other two, and silvery-blue strands (almost the same color as Dilandau's) were done up in small spikes atop his head. Even his eyes matched those of Dilandau's, and the boy found himself in awe as the cloaked man shifted forward. The most noticeable thing about him was the purple teardrop tattoo located just beneath his right eye. The new arrival simply cleared his throat and Finley immediately snapped away. Dilandau took that opportunity to replenish his air supply.

"L-Lord Folken...I didn't even hear you come in..." The blonde stuttered nervously.

"Finley, Adelphos...you two are to take proper care of this one..." Metallic digits pointed in Dilandau's direction. "He is very crucial to Lord Dornkirk's plans. You mustn't let him die...or get wounded beyond repair..."

"But we--" The general started, watching Folken lift Dilandau's hurt arm. "It was a training wound...nothing serious..."

The sorcerer raised his brows, "Nothing serious? And yet, you left it untreated?"

"Well, I um..."

"Dilandau, come along with me. I'll take you to see the healers and get you something for supper. Then, you can return here," Folken reached down with his good hand, taking Dilandau's. "Oh, and Finley. If I or any of the Madoushi see you abusing the child again, it will mean your discharge."

Finley blinked and stood upright, "Of course, Lord Folken. Forgive me..."

The man didn't respond, just led Dilandau out of the room. Once they were in the safety of the hall, the sorcerer lowered himself to one knee, "My name is Folken Strategos. If those men hurt you anymore beyond what is normal training wounds, do not be afraid to inform me."

The boy appeared confused as he was spoken to. It wasn't because of his words, but more his tone. Folken had said something genuinely kind to him, but his very words completely lacked any sort of emotion. That whole thing struck him as odd, yet he nodded in response. Dilandau decided to keep it his little secret that he could speak for now. After that, Folken swiftly turned and the youth instantly followed rather glad that he was about to get a decent meal.

* * *

Laying in silence beside her nude bed partner, Valeria sent a glance toward Zaccheus to make sure he was sleeping. He always seemed to drop right off into slumber after sex. And that always hurt Valeria in a way, as though she wasn't good enough for him to even share one word with afterward. But, for some reason then, it didn't bother her. Maybe it was because she knew that in a few moments she would be free from that sham of a marriage. Still, a part of her loved Zaccheus and probably always would.

Valeria leaned over, placing a kiss on her husband's forehead, "Farewell, Zaccheus."

Smoothly, the woman eased out of the bed and headed out of the room. There would be no way she would be found or that he could hunt her or Chesta down. Finally, after all of those years they would be free. But before she could even think about leaving, there was something she needed to get. Valeria slipped inside Chesta's old bed chamber and then began to glance around. Luckily for her, Jitters was laying right on the bed. She smiled to herself and then lifted the bear.

"This old thing is so beat up. Yet, Chesta loves it over all his other toys. It only makes sense to bring this to him and to think...it was a present from his father."

Valeria shook her head, refusing to remember the good times, refusing to get sentimental. This was for the best after all. The man Zaccheus was now...a man who could ruthlessly beat his own child, was not someone she could stay with. The woman spared one final look around the unkempt room, then quietly departed, down the stairs, and out the door. The streets at night were fairly vacant and made it easier to get back to Caspar's house.

The blonde ran as fast as she could, just wanting to get to her son and nothing more than to have that feeling of security restored within herself. Her dash didn't falter until she reached those porch steps which she swiftly surpassed. The door was swung open and then slammed behind her as she fell to her knees, panting heavily. Upon hearing all the noise downstairs, Caspar left Chesta a moment to go and see what it was exactly. Once he saw Valeria, he immediately rushed to her side and pulled her into an embrace.

"V-Valeria...? Are you all right?" The doctor studied her, concern shining brightly within those twin emerald spheres.

The woman closed her eyes tightly, collapsing against him, "Y-yes...I'm fine. I'm just a bit overcome by it all..."

"Do you need to lay down?"

"No..." Valeria looked up at him, forcing a smile. "I'm fine...I'll be fine...for the first time in my life, things will be all right."

Caspar nodded and helped her up, "Chesta's been eager to see you. He refused to sleep until he knew you were safe. Well, that and until he got the bear..."

She smiled and looked down toward the teddy bear with a nod, "Well, then, I should get this to him."

They both moved up the stairs, Valeria relying on Caspar's guidance in order to find the room. Sure enough, Chesta was laying still in bed and his eyes lit up once he noticed his mother's return. She headed over toward him and handed off Jitters which he gratefully took. The doctor couldn't help but smile at the scene before him. It was heart warming to see the two so happy and relieved.

"Chesta, sweetie...I hope you've been a good boy."

"I have, I have! But, before I go to sleep, can you do something for me, Mommy?"

"Yes, Chesta...what is it?"

"Can...you tell me that story again? The one about the knight and the princess and this time...loud enough so Doctor Kovacs could hear it too?"

Valeria blinked, sending a glance toward Caspar who shrugged in response. Then she looked back toward her son with a smile, "Of course, Chesta..."

As could be expected, the three were well-protected in Caspar's home, and over the period of a few weeks, Chesta's broken tail bone completely healed. Though, there was some tragedy during that time. Encia Schezar's illness had grown far worse and not able to handle it any longer, she eventually passed on. Valeria attended her friend's funeral, leaving Chesta in Caspar's care and thankfully she returned that night.

There was still an insecurity as far as Zaccheus's finding them was concerned. And that feeling would probably always be there, but hopefully it would never come true. Above everyone else, Chesta's safety mattered the most. Valeria would protect him with every ounce of strength she had, just so that nothing would happen to him ever again.

So, at the current moment, the trio were seated around a table-Valeria and Caspar next to each other and Chesta right across from them with Snowflake at his side. A deck of cards was between them and each had their own portion, playing a game of some sort. The boy placed down one of the cards, and then reached forward for the bowl of berries only to find that it was empty. He frowned and looked over at the adults.

"I'll just go into the kitchen and get us some more..." Chesta reached up to take away the dish and then headed into the other room. Snowflake stretched out and then trotted off to follow him.

Valeria glanced after him and then smiled, sending a look in Caspar's direction, "I'm so glad he's back to normal. It seems now that he can walk again, all he wants to do is help."

"He's a very lovable boy. I find myself growing more and more fond of him by the day...it's almost as though he's the son I've never had..."

The woman blinked and turned to him a bit too quickly which caused them to bump foreheads. Her eyes widened some and a faint blush came into her cheeks, "S-sorry...I'm just so clumsy..."

"No...it wasn't your fault. You shouldn't have to apologize," His hand moved up, cupping her cheek lightly. "You are beautiful, Valeria. Did your husband ever tell you that?"

"I-I'm sure at one point or another he had..."

"Well, if he hadn't told you everyday, then he should have. Such a pretty face needs to be complimented as often as possible."

"C-Caspar, you're embarrassing me..."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's the truth, you know..."

"C-Caspar..." The name came out as a whisper.

No more words were shared and faces began to inch closer and closer to one another. Valeria could feel his warm breath upon her and lips were just about to touch until a shrill cry sounded from the outdoors. Valeria and Caspar practically flew apart and at that moment, Chesta raced out of the kitchen. Those crystalline spheres were wide and full of fright.

"Mom! Mom! It's our old house...it caught on fire!" The son exclaimed, pointing frantically toward the window.

"What?!" Valeria felt her heart skip a beat and instantly rushed out on the porch to see if this all was true.

Sure enough, it was. The flames were consuming the place making it barely visible from her distance due to both smoke and the crowd that had gathered in the streets. Chesta tagged along to the doorway, glancing toward that burning building. In some way, he felt relieved. Almost as if with that fire, the bad part of his life was being torn away. He couldn't say he was happy if his father died in that place, but he wasn't exactly sad either. At the very least, this meant his life could only move forward. And so, the boy leaned against his mother, merely watching the scene of events in a rather guilty enjoyment.

* * *

Morning slowly came around and Dilandau stirred on that makeshift bed. It was such an uncomfortable thing, but he somehow managed to train himself to go to sleep on it. There were many things Dilandau taught himself how to do, mainly sword techniques. It amused him to know how impressed Finley was with him, even if the general would never voice those opinions aloud. The young soldier-in-training could just tell by the look in the man's eye that he was doing well in those numerous fights.

The boy had also taught himself how to dress his own wounds. It was needed after many of the training sessions, for his 'sparring partner' never took it easy on him. Dilandau often escaped with several cuts or even gashes, but thankfully he was a fast healer. Cuts that would take an average person days to heal only remained for one night with Dilandau. It was just a blessing, he supposed...and one that made him a destined fighter.

As for Folken's orders, for the most part Adelphos and Finley listened, never doing anything that would hurt him fatally, but they did punish him with abuse from time to time. If Dilandau did something they didn't approve of, a good hard slap across the face was often punishment enough. Though, sometimes they would be worse...a punch or even kick to his side. But, the only one who did such things was Finley. Adelphos generally refrained from hitting.

But, at the moment, Dilandau was hungry. He pushed himself up to his feet, yawning slightly and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Moving over to the table, he rose on his tiptoes to check the surface. A bowl of oatmeal awaited him as well as a piece of toast. He propped himself up on the chair and began to eat. During that time, the door to the room opened, but only Adelphos slipped inside. Dilandau regarded him for a few silent moments before he just went back to his breakfast.

"Dilandau...it seems you're up. You should be careful today. The general's in a foul mood..." The man informed.

As for the boy, he shrugged in response.

"He hasn't gotten his way with the Madoushi. So he may of course take it out on you. Are you feeling any better? He got you in the arm pretty good last night..."

Dilandau blinked, holding out his arm for display to show it was indeed patched up.

"That's good to see. You'll be a good soldier someday. Maybe even be able to command troops of your own. I'm certain you could overtake him someday. Perhaps, you could even do so...today," A sinister smirk cross Adelphos's lips. "And now with that bit of conversation, I'll leave you to your breakfast, young Dilandau."

The child raised his brows as the elder exited. Deciding to disregard it, he scooped up a spoon of that oatmeal, placing it in his mouth. This continued until the bowl was emptied. Dilandau finished his toast off with a glass of pisqus juice, shuddering as the sour elixir entered his mouth. Lips were swiped clean on his sleeve. It was at that point that the door slid open again, and Finley stepped inside mumbling a string of curses. Garnet oculars shifted toward the blonde man and a slender brow of silver arched upward. The general met his stare and then growled, using one hand to grasp the boy's shirt and thrust him to the other side of the room.

"What are you looking at, boy?!"

Completely taken by surprise, Dilandau hadn't even gotten the chance to brace himself. He connected painfully with a stand, a bottle of vino tipping and spilling it's contents across the floor. The child grimaced, pushing himself up on his hands and knees. Smirking at the display, Finley headed over to the other. A handful of platinum strands were grasped and the child's head was yanked upward. Dilandau winced slightly, but that expression changed to shock as a knee embedded itself deep within his abdominal area. The breath was knocked from him and he fell forward, gasping for air.

"This is all your fault, you know...the sorcerers are on my case now because I mistreat you. Because you were some sort of experiment that's important to them...they think that I have to keep you in top condition. Maybe if I killed you here...then that would all end...but no. I rather enjoy watching you suffer."

Dilandau snarled ferally and reached forward to make a sharp swing for Finley's shin. The man lessened his grip which allowed Dilandau to ease out of it. Unfortunately, he was seized again and lifted upright, only to be pinned against the wall. The boy's chin was cupped, forcing him to look at his elder.

"My...you are quite a beautiful boy. Beautiful in the way a woman is...I think I'll use you for something other than training. Maybe that's all you're good for anyway..." His mouth came down, landing roughly on the boy's own.

Panic raced it's way throughout the small frame. It wasn't right. It didn't feel right to be kissed by an adult like that. Dilandau had to get out of this situation as quick as possible before it led to more things that weren't right. Widened ruby spheres darted over everything in view and then he spotted another stand next to them. This had a few full glasses of liquor. If he could just distract him, then he could get out of there. Dilandau tightened once he felt hands roam his body and those brows furrowed. Instantly teeth sank into the man's lower lip and he snapped back painfully. Just the distraction Dilandau needed. His foot swung over, tipping the tray and forcing that vino to drench Finley's shirt and boots.

"Why you...!" The general snarled.

Dilandau eased away from the man's grasp and then rushed to the back wall, searching around for his sword. Finley, on the other hand, chuckled, shaking his head slowly.

"I admire your will...but you won't get out of here without me getting what I want..."

The platinum-haired boy sneered at his 'caregiver' and looked around for any form of weapon. However, the only thing nearby were the candles. Dilandau frowned and was ready to just give up, until an idea crossed his mind. With one swift and unthought motion, he took the burning wax from it's holder and then touched the wick to the trail of vino that led to Finley. Quickly the liquor was consumed by the flames and almost immediately licked it's way along the general's pant legs. In a brilliant dance of golds and reds, his body was completely covered, skirting along the armor and clothes. Dilandau watched as the fire grew brighter, crackling and blocking out the man's screams of agony. The stench of charred flesh filled the boy's nostrils, but somehow...in some sick and twisted way, it comforted him.

Dilandau sank to the floor, a dark grin creeping into his lips, "Burn..."