Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Dangerous Wounds ❯ The Zaibach Capital ( Chapter 13 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Author's Notes: Okay, if there are stupid mistakes in here, I really don't care. My computer pisses me off to no ends! I had it proofread, spell-checked and basically set up to go...and then the power just HAPPENS to go out at that split second...after I spent hours doing that. Not to mention it wasn't saved! My happy author's notes...which was basically rambling on about not getting this chapter up for a while was destroyed...and so it now serves as a place for me to vent my anger. Anyway, yeah...this chapter's kinda dull. And I don't know if I'm gonna get to working on this story until I actually get my Esca series back, because quite frankly I need to rewatch it to get my details straight. But, I'll try. I'm sorry about the delay. I do hope you enjoy, all of you. And again, I apologize for the delay. :/

Jajuka...Jajuka? I've heard that name before, right? No...impossible. It just seems familiar. So does he... Dilandau leaned forward against the rail of the levi-ship, feeling those watchful eyes burn into his back, knowing far too well who they belonged to.

The soldier had gone out for a bit to get some fresh air; it had gotten so stuffy in that room, he could barely breathe. Though, he was never going to have his privacy, but somehow he didn't seem to care. Some inner voice in the back of his mind was begging not to be left alone, and he just had to listen to it at that point. However, all thoughts had hushed once he caught sight of the breathtaking view beneath him. He had never seen so much of Gaea at any point in time...so ripe for his eyes to devour. So peaceful and undisturbed that the untamed fire in his soul was forced to calm as he looked out over the land. He wished he could fly all the time and feel such freedom, just having that steady breeze embrace the silver strands as well as his flesh.

Jajuka was silent, just watching the young boy before him. It was amazing how well they succeeded with the experiment. There were no traces of that little girl he had grown to adore left within him. What Dilandau was...was completely unrecognizable. Though the point of this 'caregiver' job was not by any means to watch him. It was for the Madoushi to see whether or not putting an element of Dilandau's past would trigger old memories. In a way, Jajuka hoped it would. But, no. To help him recall now would only force the sorcerers to push the memories even farther away from either of their grasps. So, the objective was not to help him remember now, but to help him forget. Forget it all until the time when Jajuka could help give Celena her life back, the life she deserved.

Dilandau's palms slid along the wooden surface and he hovered over it. His shoulder blades pressed together behind the lavender fabric of that tank top. A few birds soared overhead, crisscrossing the landscape. He turned away for a moment, glancing back at the beast man. Platinum bangs were flowing about and he leaned back against the bannister, propping elbows up and allowing forearms to dangle over the side.

"Don't you...want to go and get away from me? Must be pretty boring watching me, eh?" The boy tilted his head somewhat.

"I am to watch you no matter what..." Jajuka replied calmly.

Dilandau scoffed, snapping his head away. Although, after a moment's thought, he glanced back toward him, "Do you sword fight...?"

"I...have been trained in order to do so," He lifted a brow slowly, not liking where this could possibly be headed.

"But, that means you can. Bet you're not as good as me!" The young soldier grinned wolfishly, reaching at his side to unstrap his weapon.

"I...I probably am not, Lord Dilandau."

Absently, that blade cut through the air, "Lord Dilandau...I like that. I think I'm gonna make my soldiers say that when I get them. Lord Dilandau...captain of the Dragonslayers! Has a nice ring, right?"

"I...suppose so, Lord Dilandau."

"Do you have your sword on you?" Swiftly changing the topic, the youth pushed himself forward.

"Well...of course, Lord Dilandau. I have it...just in case..."

"In case I get out of line?"

"It was only an order..."

"Then...let's pretend I am getting out of line. In theory, if I were to do this?" Dilandau lunged forward, pressing his sword against the fur-covered throat.

A sniff of surprise was pulled into the black snout, "Lord Dilandau...please.."

"Maybe it's not just pretend...maybe I'm sick of being watched, and if you don't draw a sword against me, I'll kill you. I have no qualms about killing people...hell, I've done so before..." He didn't seem to care what he could possibly be getting himself into. He wanted a fight!

Jajuka sighed, sparing a crystalline glance back to the thirteen year old, I don't want to hurt him. Celena's in there...but if I let him kill me here, I won't be able to help him later...

Slowly, the beast man's hand inched forward to curl around the hilt of his kitana, slipping it out and then suddenly knocking Dilandau's away. The sword clattered loudly as it skid across the floorboards, and the youth blinked in surprise, stepping back. Jajuka simply rose his full height, towering over him. His upper lip rose slightly to reveal sharp canines. For a moment, the boy tensed in fear. However, his brows furrowed and he snapped his gaze away, mumbling something quickly about being hungry, and then rushing off. Jajuka sighed, sheathing his blade once again.

"I certainly hope the Madoushi are pleased with what they did..." The beast man's features saddened. "Celena...I will not fail you again. I promise someday, I will find a way to get you back to normal..."

With that, the caregiver followed after Dilandau quickly.

***

The flight to the capital didn't take all that long, and it was by the start of evening that the ship landed. Dilandau was rather grateful, mainly because it meant no more Jajuka hovering over him. No one had ever knocked his sword away except...Finley. And he killed Finley, drinking in the flames that consumed him. It was Folken who got him out of there while the other soldiers rushed to put out the fire. Thankfully, it was far too late. A smirk curved on the corner of his lips, only to fade as he glanced back at the beast man. For some unknown reason, the thought of trying to kill Jajuka could not even cross his mind. It was as though something inside of him actually liked him. And it was disturbing, because Dilandau never liked anyone.

He shuffled along in silence, looking up as other commanders and generals filtered out of their rooms. Adelphos wasn't with them, and so Dilandau continued along, keeping a watchful eye out for his commanding officer. Jajuka tagged along, sad but true, like a dog. He didn't once let the boy out of his sight, but refrained from engaging in conversation. Wounding his pride was probably one of the worst things he could do to someone as mentally disturbed as Dilandau. It was no wonder why he was that way, really. Dilandau was created for the soul purpose of fighting and put up on a pedestal as some sort of amazing soldier. He was an 'amazing soldier' with no past, no family, no friends...his pride was all he had. And now even that was blemished. Jajuka almost felt sad for him, but it was Celena that he felt worse for. It was Celena that he was doing all of this for.

Upon turning the corner, Dilandau spotted his general and then made his way over, "Can we hurry up and get off this damn thing?! I want to be given my title officially!"

Adelphos looked up and then ignored the question to pose one of his own directed to the caregiver, "Did it go well...?"

"Yes, Lord Adelphos. There were no troubles," Jajuka responded quickly.

"Very well then..." The man found it a bit hard to believe, but he went along with it anyway. "Yes, Dilandau. We can get off now. But, don't stray too far, we have that meeting by morning."

"Yeah, yeah. Gotcha!" Already, Dilandau had hurried off, pushing his way past the soldiers.

He headed down the platform and leapt off the side, sparing a glance around the area. So this was the capital of Zaibach. The place was almost unrecognizable, buried beneath so much technology, though one could expect no less from Dornkirk's land. Guymelefs lined every streets, and tall buildings loomed protectively over everything. All the passing citizens were either soldiers or just workers, all moving in a mechanical fashion. Barely anyone talked or smiled...they were just all busy with their jobs. Dilandau's brows stitched together and then he looked up, seeing the lights of the capital building itself.

For one brief moment, a vague feeling of déjà vu washed over him. Glimpses of a screaming girl...Madoushi, and a cell. He closed his eyes tightly, shaking away the unsettling feeling as he advanced a few steps. At that point, he bumped straight into something rough...something that painfully tore his mind back to reality. This contact was followed up by a loud clatter and Dilandau's eyes snapped toward a raven-haired boy. He was followed up by a taller, sandy-haired one, and after glaring at them both, Dilandau snorted shortly.

"Watch where you're going!"

"S-sorry, sir..." The black-haired one answered.

"You okay, Kenji?" His friend questioned, kneeling down to help pick up the 'melef scraps they were carrying.

Dilandau simply scoffed, not dignifying the apology with a response. He made his way past the duo, continuing toward the capital. Kenji, however, nodded in response, plucking up the parts and then lifting the box again. He glanced over his shoulder, making sure the silver-haired one was out of hearing range before he turned back to his companion.

"Che..what a prick. Don'tcha think, Gatti...?"

Gatti shrugged, "I guess."

"C'mon...let's just get these parts to your Dad."

"All right..."

The two headed off at that point.

Dilandau had made it to the entrance of his destination, his garnet-hued eyes darting over the prototype Alseides that moved by. His thumbs stuffed themselves into his pockets, "So, this is really the capital, huh?"

"Hey, kid!"

He blinked, glancing in the direction of the voice with a surprised look. Kid...? Was someone actually addressing him as kid...?

"What're you doing near there? It's forbidden!" The soldier stepped forward, narrowing his eyes.

"Do you have any idea who I am...?" Dilandau breathed out in bewilderment. To think someone as -perfect- as him being talked down to by such a lowly pawn of Zaibach.

"No, but I don't really care. Leave, otherwise I'll--"

The young teenager's sword was out in a flash, being poised dangerously near the male's neck, "I am Dilandau Albatou. Soon-to-be captain of the dragonslayers!"

He gasped, regarding the albino in astonishment, "Y-you're...Dilandau...?"

"Mmmhmm..." Cool steel was pressed a bit closer.

"I-I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't know! I--"

"Save it! This sword is thirsty for blood and it's about to taste it..." Dilandau grinned deviously, preparing to end the miserable soldier's life.

Until, of course, a stern voice rose up, "Dilandau!"

He blinked and pulled back, glancing upward before he sighed, "General Adelphos..." The boy sneered, watching the guard scamper away. "Look, you ruined all my fun."

"You're supposed to be on your best behavior. I don't think I have to remind you..." He stated firmly. A gloved hand reached up, punching in a code which forced the doors to slide open.

Dilandau regarded this in silent awe, only falling into step when he realized the general was moving in without him. He swiftly tagged along, sheathing his sword absently as he eyed the various tubes and mechanical items that lined the walls and doorways. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. Granted the only thing he had seen was the Vione and that levi-ship, but still...the Zaibach capital would have amazed nearly anyone, unless of course they lived there.

Several cloaked men moved past, peering at Dilandau out of the corner of their eye, but not stopping regardless. He didn't mind at all, for he was too caught up with the scenery to notice much of anything else. Adelphos stopped short, yet the teen kept moving until he slammed right into the man's back. Wincing, the young soldier snapped out of his daze, furrowing his brows on his commander as though it was his fault, but he came up to his side at that point, scrutinizing the controls.

"Where's this lead?"

"Your chamber..." Adelphos responded. "The meeting will be held tomorrow morning, so I suggest you get some rest."

"Che...so long as I don't have to be 'supervised' again."

"Jajuka will not be far away..."

"But...!"

"Do not try to protest, Dilandau. You proved you could not be trusted alone by your actions just moments ago..."

"But, that was--"

"No 'buts!' I will not have my pupil disrupting the flow of things here."

Dilandau glared at him, but then grumbled, "Fine!" At that, he stormed into the room, hearing the door close behind him.

Sealing his lids shut in aggravation, he stomped further inside, reopening them to glance around. For a moment, his anger was forgotten by the sight of the chamber. It seemed oddly dank and dreary, but that could only be expected from a room here. Everything in the capital, thus far, had been like this. Garnet-hued spheres lifted to the burning candles on the wall. Watching them a moment, he lost himself to thought. Flames seemed to burn away various shadows in his mind, and suddenly a small child's voice sparked inside of him, stating something that he couldn't make out.

"Who's there?!" He glared around the darkness, but slowly came to the realization that the voice was on the inside. His palm slipped beneath silken platinum as he sank onto the hard mattress of the bed. "What is wrong with me...?"

For the time being, Dilandau sank into utter silence, gazing at the farthest wall.

***

The important conference had been utterly dull and Dilandau found himself amidst a group of snooty old guys, Madoushi, and the transmissions of both Folken and Emperor Dornkirk. It was the first time he had ever seen Zaibach's emperor, so he believed, but in reality it wasn't that exciting seeing some aged man on a monitor. He thought they would meet with him personally, since this was the Zaibach capital, but no. It was just through screen. The teenager started to zone out once they were talking about some 'ideal future,' laying his chin on his palm and mindlessly stirring a finger about the table top. So much for excitement, this place stunk. He'd much rather have been off training.

Crimson tinted oculars lifted slowly toward the shadows for a moment, and lids fell in surprise. Jajuka was there...his arms folded over his chest and those blue eyes focused on him. The boy stirred bitterly, recalling the fight from earlier. Scowling at that, he quickly looked away, only to catch sight of a few sorcerers. That really wasn't a big deal...except the fact that they were watching him. Watching him and taking notes. His brows furrowed in suspicion, and he stared at them until...

"Dilandau!"

He jumped, glancing toward the monitor image of the emperor, "Yeah? Er...yes, Lord Dornkirk?"

"You are to be leading the dragonslayers unit...is that correct?"

"Y-yes."

"Hm...you are young, but I am certain you will get the job done. I wish for you to oversee the trials. Your opinion may be a deciding factor in who becomes one of the dragonslayers..."

Dilandau smirked to himself, Yes...complete control over who will be in my group. Only the best should be one of my men... "As you wish..."

The conversation went a bit further, but he wasn't paying attention any longer. His mind was far too deluded with new-rising thoughts of fame and glory, blood and war. He certainly couldn't wait for these so-called trials. It marked the beginning of his power and authority...and that was certainly something that he deserved.

Once the conference had ended, everyone shuffled out at their own leisure. They wouldn't be heading back until evening, therefore, they had plenty of time to spare. It was a little too much time for Dilandau, since he really couldn't do much of anything. So, he stood by Adelphos, who was carrying on about something or other with an older-looking male. The silver-haired youth simply rolled his eyes upward, filling one cheek with air while his finger pushed against it from the outside. The action forced the trapped oxygen to the opposite side, and this continued until the sound of footsteps approaching caused it to cease. Standing before him were three cloaked men.

"Greetings, Lord Adelphos...Lord Dilandau..." The sorcerer in the center spoke, not once taking his eyes off the youngest there.

The general stopped his conversation, turning to face them slowly, "Yes, what is it?"

"We wish to take Dilandau with us..." One of them stated.

"Yes...it seems he looks rather ill..." Another added.

"So, we've come up with an inoculation to heighten his inner defenses," The last smirked with hidden meaning.

Dilandau shifted back an inch, narrowing his eyes, "Why the hell should I go with you?"

"Dilandau..." Adelphos warned, but then nudged him forward. "Yes, take him. I'm certain your medicine can cure whatever ailments he has." *And keep the little monster out of trouble for a while.*

"But--" The boy found himself ushered along against his will.

"Thank you, Lord Adelphos..."

"This will help him out and make him stronger. And we -will- return him to you afterward..."

"Right this way, Lord Dilandau..."

There was that feeling again. A feeling of vague familiarity inside him. Brief flashes of rainfall, an older blond-haired youth, and then sorcerer cloaks swirled about in a meshed pattern. And before Dilandau had a chance to free himself from the clammy hands of the others, he was brought into a dimly lit room, then thrust toward a table. Not an ordinary table, more like one used for operating. Nevertheless, he staggered forward, catching himself with his hands in order to keep steady. Afterward, he whipped around to face them, narrowing his eyes.

"What's the big idea?!"

"We suggest you lay down."

"Yes, it would be a lot less painful that way."

"Not that we have any problems with hurting you."

"You really are only a pawn we're playing with. One that can be easily replaced..."

Dilandau blinked in confusion, but then simply glared. It was then that several of the Madoushi surrounded him, dragging him back to that flat surface. Despite his training, or how strong he thought he had become, he couldn't fight off all of them. And he tried too. Kicking, clawing, biting whatever he could until he was forced back against the board, the wind knocked from his lungs at the pressure of the impact. Dilandau struggled to find his voice or some air, and it took a moment before he regained control of his breathing. Unfortunately, it was a moment too late, for his arms had been secured a bit too tightly by binds of some sort. He became more and more aware of the pain of his blood circulation being disrupted.

"Just wait until I report this! Or until I get free! I'll kill you all! You stupid bastards! I'LL KILL YOU!" The boy's teeth clenched and he tried to fight against the straps.

One sorcerer chuckled hauntingly, "Young Dilandau...you won't even remember this encounter by the time we're through..."

"Nngh...LET ME GO!" He writhed a bit more, never being one to give up. He was like a wild animal who had been trapped in a corner, ready to lash out with what ever it took to get free.

A man grasped a needle, pushing the stopper inward and watching the fountain of it's contents spray forth, "Hold him back so I can do this properly..."

Dilandau was grasped by an ameba of arms, all pressing down. He was scared quite frankly, as much as he would never admit it. Behind the angered features and string of curses, his blood was running quite cold in his body. And it wasn't because this was a new experience...it was because it happened before. He remembered that rainy day...he remembered being grabbed by cloaked men. It didn't happen to him directly, it couldn't have. Yet, he remembered it still...and because of that, he had to get away before something horrible happened.

Though, it was useless to try and far too late. The flesh of his forearm was pierced with oh so familiar pain. He felt the cold tip of the needle slid inside and liquid of some sort being injected into him. It coursed through his veins, racing rapidly through all parts of his form. A ragged breath escaped Dilandau's dry lips as everything became a bit darker, swirling away into a jumbled blur. He fought against it to the best of his ability, but it was a battle he was doomed to fail from the very beginning. His brows stitched together and he summoned up his very last strength.

It was channeled out into a cry that he forced up his throat, "Jajuka!!"

And then, everything faded away into darkness. The sorcerers backed up, beginning to get to work on the last step in the fate alteration process. In the meantime, two of them spoke with one another while jotting down some information.

"Finally, he will be complete..."

"Yes, now that we can wipe away all memories of the past, there will be no possibilities for a reversion."

"Hopefully, Dilandau Albatou will be able to handle all responsibilities of controlling his troops."

"Our only concern is that the process is a success. Shall we send a report to Emperor Dornkirk?"

"Yes, yes...let's."

"Jajuka!"

The beast man raised his head, glancing toward the approaching sorcerers, "Yes?"

"Take these papers out to the Madoushi waiting near Lord Dornkirk's chambers."

He nodded, taking the folder as he turned around, "As you wish..."

Jajuka exited the room and couldn't help but smirk to himself. The sorcerers could not have known that he diluted the contents of the initial shot with water. If there was one chance in saving Celena, he would take it, for he knew she existed inside of that boy. The very way Dilandau had cried out for him was proof of that...