Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Dangerous Wounds ❯ Sono Aoi Hitomi...Utsukushii Orokasa ( Chapter 12 )

Author's Notes:I got a new chapter up...FINALLY! I had so much writer's block when it came to this story :/ that it's been sad. It's nice to know what direction I'm going in... >> which I didn't except for in the beginning. So, the beginning of the chapter got written very quickly and then sat around for like weeks while I thought up the rest XD. Well, all my Viole stuff was in 'A Country's Hope'...so er...if someone wanted to go see his background, even though it might not make any sense, I'd probably direct you to...Chapter 20 and um...probably 22. That'd be his back story chapters XD. But, he'll show up along with Jarnuth, Asantay, and Karyn for the trials naturally. Um...as it turns out Dilandau's going to get two chapters. But that's okay just because it balances out everything...since I don't think I could come up with a complex enough back story for Guimel (x_x) that would give him two chapters. >_o; I don't even like Guimel all that much. But eh...it's a slayer story...so you gotta include him. I promise these chapters will get out sooner when I get my Escaflowne tapes back. Erm...there's a few Japanese terms in here, which I just put in for names (I try not to use any Japanese at all when I see something dubbed, which was what I saw the Esca series...and I enjoyed it too, by the way. ;x it was one of the better dubs). But ah well, enjoy now!

Several metallic clashes echoed off the walls of the training room in the Zaibach Empire. Racks composed of different types of blades lined the corners as the flags were hung atop, covering up the would-be bare space. Blue flames consumed the wicks of candles that resided in their holsters, swaying about and casting shadows along the floor. Two of those very shadows danced around each other, tangling themselves up in a spar of some sort. Suddenly, light flickered across the edge of a sword as it came down to meet with it's foe.

In the corner, behind the two fighters, sat General Adelphos Gein. The years that went by had given him a few wrinkles and worn features, but that was only natural when one was given more work. With Finley's death, Adelphos had been promoted. He was at the very spot he had always wanted to be...and it was all thanks to that little silver-haired boy. The very one who had grown up under his eye and who had become his direct subordinate.

"Good...like that," Adelphos commended, sipping his vino and keeping a watchful eye on the fight. "Go in and take him down. Kill him if you have to. You've got plenty more to fight around here."

The soldiers who had been standing in line waiting their turn to enter the combat merely shrank back at the general's words. Giving the order to kill to that demon behind the sword, they were sure he would more than happily take him up on that. It was no secret what happened all those years back. The Madoushi even commended it, saying that the 'project' was finally responding the way he was supposed to, behaving the way they intended. Of course, he was a bit on the sadistic side, but his lust for blood would only enhance his skills in battle.

Clang, scraaape...the swords connected again, locking together as both fighters tried to overpower the other. It was the platinum-haired one who won the control and then the other soldiers flinched, watching the tip descend into the fighter's throat; leaving behind a good-sized slash. He staggered back, clutching his neck as the blood began to flow down and immediately some men rushed up to take him to the infirmary. Crimson eyes followed the scene until the boy turned toward the awaiting combatants, a dimple-displaying smirk crossing his lips.

However, Adelphos waved his hand, "That will be all for today..."

All sighed with relief in unison before they retreated from the training area. Dilandau furrowed a brow, sticking the mat with the bloodied sword, "And I was having fun with them."

"I think we should limit it to one fatality a day, Dilandau..." The general remarked calmly.

He rolled his eyes, "What ever."

"You really are improving...even more so by the day. You'll make a fine soldier."

"Of course I will. I'm the best..." He was certainly told that enough times that he simply started to believe it.

"Lord Folken wishes to see you later. He has something important to discuss with you. For now you should hit the showers. This training session is over..." The man pushed himself up, stepping out of the room.

Dilandau watched him go before mumbling to himself, "Tch...what could a stuffy guy like him want anyway? To lecture me again on 'proper melef fighting' and how not to break them...? Eh..."

He shrugged slightly, heading over toward where his insubordinate had sat. Perspiration lined his sleek, athletically toned arms that were visible under the lavender tank top. They hadn't given him proper armor, not that he needed it. Those stupid soldiers couldn't even land a hit on him. Fighting sure wasn't what it used to be. Then again, he had been for too spoiled by 'melef combat to appreciate sword spars any longer. There was something so thrilling about being surrounded in that liquid metal and having so many weapons at his disposal. Of course, much to his dismay, they disabled the flame-throwers out of fear that he would burn down the whole Vione.

Dilandau dropped onto the unoccupied chair, just allowing his body to cool down after such a strenuous training session. The tip of his index finger inched over toward the corked bottle of vino on the stand. That bottle was pushed onto it's side and he balanced it there before he snatched it up. Popping the porous wood from the opening, he then gave the liquor a thoughtful sniff. His eyes darted around the room to make sure no one was there and then he brought it back to take a good swig of the contents. Much to his surprise, it tasted rather good. When something smelled so strong, he expected it to be bad. He took a couple more drinks, before going off toward those showers.

He paused before the mirror of that bathroom as he often did, glimpsing over the unblemished face to make certain his skin was clear. The sorcerers often said he had a 'handsome' face...a beautiful face. Everyone often complimented his good looks and they were right. He was beautiful. Sheer, unblemished perfection all molded into a thirteen year old frame. Even after a fight, it never ceased to amaze him how perfectly those silver strands clung desperately to his sweat-glistening forehead. Or how the mere shimmering of moisture on his pallid visage caught the right light in order to accent his highlights pefectly... ...perfect. That was the only word to describe him.

Dilandau wasn't always like this. No, he had gone through drastic changes over the six years that passed. He didn't really care for the attention of others much when he was a child, but they always seemed to give it to him. In time, he simply took it as he was something important. The Madoushi were always making comments about how 'well' he was developing and how 'beautifully' he was progressing. He was 'perfect' for gaining the popularity of the people. Often times a good-looking face alone could get a person far and Dilandau was the best they had. When one was told such things constantly, it was a little impossible to keep from becoming a bit narcissistic. As for the fighting, well...he had always enjoyed fighting. Maybe a bit more than the average person had the right to enjoy it. Still, it kept him active and let him release all that pent up tension and anger he kept inside. Violence was like a sedative to him, calming his nerves far better than any drug could do.

As for the mysterious girl in his mind, she hadn't shown up ever since that last time he had yelled at her. As a matter of fact, he had forgotten she even existed. His memories were scarce and really the only point he recalled was the moment he killed Finley. From that point on, it seemed as though his life had truly started. There was only one mind; only one person in that head of his and he certainly couldn't have been more glad it was him.

A downpour of water started as Dilandau turned the nozzles. He smoothly shed his clothing and then climbed in, allowing the droplets to cover his perfect curves. Digits reached up to flatten the drenched silver strands; a dull, heavy grey now, simply from being wet. For a while, he just stood there amidst the rising steams and warm liquid...it was soothing somehow. But soon following that, he lathered up...cleaning himself carefully. One part of looking good was smelling good, and Dilandau certainly noticed that within the few years that went by, those sweats he seemed to work up smelled a lot worse than they used to. However, he had been given the privilege of wearing something they referred to as 'deodorant' as well as cologne. Ah, Zaibach just had it all.

He cleaned himself off until he was satisfied and only then rinsed the suds away from his body. They chased each other around the circular metal of the drain and then hid inside of it. Dilandau remained there for a moment longer before he shut off the water and got out. He wiped himself off and then wrapped the towel around his waist. His eyes lifted to the fogged over mirror and he swiped at it in order to see his own streaky reflection.

"So, I gotta go talk to Strategos, eh? This better not be a waste of my time," Dilandau's busy digits worked through his hair until it became the way he wanted it.

The young fighter's dislike for Folken stemmed only from the fact that he criticized him too much. Fighting so vigorously wasn't healthy, he always said. And fighting too little was just the same. He didn't appreciate Dilandau's passion for it, probably more due to the fact that several had been injured because of that 'passion' than anything. The man constantly lectured him about his recklessness and just generally acted like he was more important than him. Well, Dilandau was better than him. And his little teardrop tattoo looked stupid too.

Holding his head up high, he moved down the hall after getting dressed. A few people looked up as he passed by, after all for some odd reason, Dilandau was nearly famous there, not that he minded. It just inflated his ego even more. And he ignored their glances as he turned around, moving toward the soldiers quarters. Luckily enough, he had gotten a room all to himself. It was nothing fancy or lavish, but it was his own. Most of the fighters were forced to share, but not him. He had a private room, a luxury most would kill to have. He'd like to see them try it, though.

One hand claimed his hip as he glanced around, trying to recall what he came there to do. The thirteen year old clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth before that crimson gaze landed on the bed. A sealed envelope laid there and his brows furrowed. Just who had the nerve to come into his room?! But, he sank onto the mattress, reaching over to take it. The flap was pried open and his eyes moved over the lettering. It became a bit blurry for a moment, the words swimming around themselves until he shook the dizzy spell away and focused.

" 'Dilandau Albatou...' blah, blah, blah. 'We at the Zaibach capital request your presence for an important meeting...' " He skimmed over the rest which was basically signatures and then shrugged, tossing it aside. "Hm, wonder what that's all about. Eh well, so long as it doesn't get in the way of my training."

The young soldier pinched his lips thoughtfully, "Guess I oughta get to Folken now." He gave a final look in the direction of the mirror before he headed out.

Dilandau emerged in the doorway of the control room, palms resting flat against the paneling as the mechanical entrance slid open with a single code press. Scarlet-hued eyes trailed along the machinery until they came to a halt on the man's back. Furrowing his brows slightly, the thirteen year old inched inside, watching the Zaibach strategist as he spoke to someone through the intercom. Something about getting supplies from Omoran soil, Dilandau didn't bother to listen to the rest. His arms folded across his chest and he casually leaned against a stand.

"You wanted to see me, Strategos...?"

Folken glanced up and although his face didn't really show it, he held a hint of surprise, "Dilandau, how long have you been there?"

"Not long," He responded shortly. "Why? Afraid there's something I might overhear that I'm not supposed to?"

"Don't be ridiculous," The strategist rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I assume you got the letter from the Zaibach capital, correct?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"I told them you would be coming."

"You did...what?!"

He checked over a few papers, lifting his eyes calmly toward the younger, "Should I have told Lord Dornkirk 'no' when he asked?"

"Emperor Dornkirk...?" Dilandau shook off his surprise and went right to yelling again. "How could you do it without my consent first?! What gives you the right?!"

"He wishes to meet with all commanding officers. It would be rude for you to turn him down."

"But, I'm not a 'commanding officer'..." Something other than anger glazed over those features. Confusion.

"Oh, that's right. You have yet to approve..."

"Approve? Approve of what? What the hell are you talking about?!"

Folken shrugged indifferently, "General Adelphos seems to believe you are a capable fighter and the Madoushi do as well. Therefore, they wish to put you in charge of a new group that's being assembled. The Ryuugekitai..."

"Ryuugekitai..." Dilandau echoed, before he looked up in surprise. "The Dragonslayers?"

"That's right. A group of eighteen boys, young boys...trained specifically in the art of dragon slaying as well as regular combat. You will be a group set up for special operations...if you agree to be the captain, Dilandau."

Soldiers. My own soldiers! He couldn't contain his grin. "Are you kidding me?! Of course I'll do it!"

"Good. Then be prepared to leave tomorrow morning first thing. General Adelphos shall accompany you down there..."

"You're not going?"

"I will be attending the meeting via monitor. There are many important things to attend to here. You should just get yourself some rest. Oh, and Dilandau?"

The youth took a few dazed steps toward the exit, only to spare a glance over his shoulder, "Yeah?"

"Don't forget to take your medication..."

Dilandau nodded dumbly, still in a stupor about everything. Troops. His own troops that he could command and mold into anything he wanted! This was so great! And so without so much as a bitter remark, he headed out of the room.

His night was a bit restless, but that was really only because he was too excited to sleep. Dilandau was still in awe about having his very own soldiers and even more so that he was actually going to get to leave the Vione. Much to his knowledge, the Vione had been the only place he lived for quite some time. He had never stepped foot off of it with the exception of 'melef battles, but those were really just in open fields. The capital of Zaibach was such an amazing place. For one thing, Dornkirk resided there...the ruler of all Zaibach. Maybe Dilandau would even get to steal a peek of the plans for upgrading the Alseides. But, finally sometime during the night, he managed to drift off without knowing it.

So, morning promptly rolled around and some soldiers were sent for Dilandau. It was no surprise that they found him already awake, or that he demanded they left while he took a shower and packed. Things were all set shortly after that and it wasn't long before he was called on the intercom to meet with the rest down in the hangar. The thirteen year old hurried there with a fresh burst of anxiousness. He couldn't wait to leave! By the time he got to his destination, Adelphos and a few other generals were already standing by the source of transportation.

"I believe now everyone is accounted for..." Dilandau's mentor remarked as he spotted the other rushing up. "Let's board the levi-ship."

Everyone shuffled up the platform at that, going their own separate ways. The silver-haired boy stepped after his commander and glanced around in awe. Once he regained his senses, he went to walk away, only to feel his shoulder grasped. Dilandau blinked, glancing toward the glove and then up the arm to meet Adelphos's gaze. The younger raised his brows in confusion, before he snapped back from him.

"What are you doing?!"

"Dilandau..." The man's hand fell against his side. "Lord Folken put out an order to make sure you are not alone at any period of time during this trip."

"What?!" He bared his teeth, shaking his head with indignation. "I don't believe this! I'm not a baby..."

"True...nevertheless...his order must be obeyed. Therefore, it's been arranged for someone to watch over you..." Adelphos motioned him to follow as he started off toward the cabins.

Dilandau sighed and fell in step behind him. Damn Folken. How dare he think that he needed all this supervision! He wasn't completely incompetent and chances were he would have been on his best behavior. Dornkirk was the one person that Dilandau respected the most with Adelphos running a close second. He also knew that if he wanted to keep the potential soldiers, he had to act like he was more than able to handle them (which he was, so it wouldn't have to be an act). Maybe Folken was trying to piss him off. No matter, Dilandau shook the thought away as they approached a door.

"He should be in here..." The brunet informed, scratching at his mustache thoughtfully. "The Madoushi said he was the most capable caregiver."

"Che...caregiver. And if it's coming from the Madoushi, we all know how believable that is..." The soldier rolled his eyes.

Adelphos cleared his throat as though he was trying to muffle laughter, "Yes...well, regardless, he was appointed to care for you."

"He huh? At least it's not some girl. I'd be really pissed at Strategos if he did something like that to me."

"When aren't you 'pissed at Strategos?' "

Dilandau's lips pinched inward for a moment, "Point taken..."

"Are you ready to meet with him? You really should before we start to take off..."

"Guess I have no damn choice in the matter. Yeah, yeah fine. Open up the door. Let's see who this guy is..."

Adelphos nodded and then turned the knob, pushing it inward. The room itself was dark like Zaibach. Only one lantern burned on a stand, illuminating a few papers that laid there carelessly. A pitcher full of water had been set up, along with a couple glasses and beside the cart was a chair. Naturally next to that was the rather lush-looking bed. And Dilandau grinned to himself. If he was forced to share a room with this guy, then he was getting the bed no matter what! Speaking of his caregiver -- he hadn't even noticed him. It was no surprise why really. The figure sat in the corner, blanketed with shadow.

"This is who you will be watching..." Adelphos called out, motioning behind himself toward Dilandau.

That form shifted a bit; mane of a golden hue had no trouble catching the dim light that barely touched his spot. He finally pushed himself up to his feet, soft blue eyes with such a gentleness about them focused on the two. From what could be made out about him in such darkness was that he was very tall. Dilandau watched silently as he approached the brightness, little by little revealing more about himself. His impoverished attire, his broad shoulders, the light tan fur and muzzle. Garnet-hued oculars went wide, staring on in surprise with his mouth slightly agape.

"You must be Dilandau Albatou..." The supposed caregiver addressed the stunned youth with an almost unreadable tone.

"Y-you...!" Words couldn't express what the boy wanted to say. There was something almost hauntingly familiar about him. But, arrogance won over and he finally found some words to speak, no matter how derogatory they were. "Folken left me with a beastman?! What does he think I am?! They're only good as common slaves!"

Adelphos shook his head slightly, "He will take care of you. And if he mistreats you in any way...you report him to me. I will leave you now." And he went to turn away...

...But Dilandau latched onto his arm almost desperately, "You can't leave me alone with him! I don't trust him."

The general quirked a brow, but detached his forearm from his grip, "You will be fine, Dilandau."

He sighed in defeat, watching his insubordinate leave and close the door behind himself. Then, he glanced back to the animal uncomfortably, managing to choke out, "What're you looking at?!"

"It seems you really do have quite the temper as they say..."

"Who're you to judge me?!"

"No one. Forgive me, Lord Dilandau."

"Hmph! I don't need you to watch me anyway, regardless of what the sorcerers say."

"I only follow the orders I was given. Would you like some water?"

"No. I don't want anything from you."

"I see."

All conversation took a temporary pause and in that time, Dilandau moved toward the bed, sinking onto it. No lowly beast was worthy of such a luxury, so he took it up. His attention lifted to the crystalline spheres that were following him. Blue eyes...what was it about blue eyes? Various glimpses of faces flashed briefly in his mind, all possessing blue eyes...warm blue eyes. His head started to ache, and he brought one palm upward to clutch it, wincing slightly.

"Are you all right, Lord Dilandau?"

He glanced up in confusion. It was the first time anyone had expressed genuine concern for him, but he nodded slightly, "Yeah...fine. Though, I could go for some of that water...since I should take one of my pills."

Those pills had to be taken twice a day, plus whenever he felt a 'little strange.' That was the instruction given to him and really the youth had no reason to question it. The medication helped him feel stronger and normal from day to day. So, he fished within his pocket, withdrawing a vile. The top was uncorked and one little capsule was removed. The beastman handed over the water after pouring it and the soldier swiftly took in both items, lifting his gaze toward the other.

"What's...your name anyway?" Dilandau found himself asking without any reason at all really.

"Hm? Oh..." The man let his gaze settle on the other, smiling faintly. "My name...is Jajuka."