CHAPTER ONE

:CAPTURED:

Sadistic eyes lurked in a redundant motion, satisfaction flaring within the orbit of the eyes, resembling a decomposing flower as it shriveled in circular masses, contradicting the stoic facade of the eyes possessor. Shifting against the saddle, gloved fingers looped possessively around the reigns, tugging them in a backward motion, thus causing the mammal to neigh and leap upon its hind legs before slamming its feet into the muddy landscape. The black steed halted, shaking its head slightly before it began to slightly nip the ground with its hooves, resembling an enraged Taurus preparing to propel towards its enemy.

" Truly exquisite…" Dilandau spoke sonorously , murderous eyes sweeping across the clearing. His soldiers scattered amongst the town, each riding upon their own, trusty steed as they trampled into the homes of people, slaughtering them with their weapons. A middle aged woman tumbled out of a small cavern, sneaking behind a prodigious tree stump as she swiftly knelt beside it, watching as the armored men laughed and mercilessly murdered the townspeople with glee.

So she thought she could escape the potentate Albatou Dilandau?

We'll see about that…

Dismounting the stallion expertly, dust fumbled from beneath his black boots as he leapt onto the ground. Grinning impishly his slender fingers delved around the hilt of the blade, tied securely to his waist. Looping his fingers around the handle he slowly pulled the weapon from its protective barrier. The sun speckled its purifying light upon the weapon with each portion revealed, corresponding with his devious strides forward. Slowly he lurked behind the trees, hovering atop his obscured figure. The woman continued to watch the horrifying scene, her fingers instinctively clenching the rugged bark as a woman's blood curdling scream lavished within the crisp breezes.

Successfully he lifted his sword affront him, his shadow leaking over her slouched figure. Blinking she studied the ominous silhouette, concealing her hidden body. Eyes widening she whimpered as the shadow of a sword appeared above the manly figure. Whirling around she prepared to scream before the boy's rapier plummeted into her throat, silencing her entreaty. Blood splattered across his face as the liquid oozed in thin sections from the open wound beneath the blade, still embedded within her neck. During the process her hands had leapt upward, clutching the sword as she released strangled gasps of air.

" Did you think you could escape me?" He questioned with maniacal laughter. " I am Albatou Dilandau," He exclaimed in a swagger tone.

"…..and no-one escapes me." Head arching back her eyes lolled to the back of her head, allowing only the white portion of her eyeball to appear, behind the half-lidded flesh. Suddenly his expression became solemn, opaque., as he gazed upon the dead body, supported by the weapon he held securely in his mechanized arm.

" Magnificent," He breathed in a distant whisper, captivated by the beautiful blood that coursed down the woman's lithe body. Such a wondrous site intensified his blood lust.

" Dilandau, Sir!" A general shouted in the distance, interrupting the youth's intense speculation. Tilting his head to the side, his eyes sufficiently narrowed into thin slits as he studied the man, approaching atop his horse.

" Van Fanel was spotted near your castle, Sir." Returning his attention to the deceased female, Dilandau deftly placed his left foot against the woman's stomach, pushing her body backward, whilst his right arm tugged at the blade. Grunting he swerved the sharp object from her neck, before he examined its blood covered contents, absently dipping his forefingers into the liquid before lifting them into the air, allowing the yellow rays to sweep across his hand. Turning his hand redundantly he listened to the soldier as he continued to explain the situation.

" Dallet and Chesta are on guard, Sir."

" Van Fanel? Is that so," Smirking sadistically he turned to the older man with a satisfied grin.

" Clean up this mess," He commanded, directing the mercenaries attention to the female body, sprawled atop a tree stump. Nodding in assent, he dismounted his horse.

" So, Van has decided to show himself. This will be more interesting than I'd thought." Parting his fingers, he slashed the narrow blade to the side, the motion causing speckles of blood to splatter to the ground, ridding it of the crimson substance.

Mounting the neighing stallion he shoved the blade into its sheath.

Van Fanel……….prepare yourself…

Hitomi desperately clutched Van's shirt, shutting her eyes as the gravity tugged at her stomach; placing her head against his shoulder as he descended toward the castle, wings flaring upward as he extended his right foot and gradually lowered them. Wind ruffling her honey hued hair she exhaled sharply as Van loosened his grasp around her waist, allowing her to step onto the floor. Flushing she heard his sonorous chuckle as she remained still.

" It's okay to look now, Hitomi," He informed soothingly, grinning impishly as she cautiously opened a delicate green eye, before opening the other with a slump of her shoulders. Peering up she studied his charming smile, as he lowered his head to study her speculative expression.

" Come on," He said suddenly, looping his left hand around her right wrist as he directed her behind a clutter of damaged carriages, worn saddles and several blocks of chipped wood, scattered atop each other. Kneeling beside him she examined his solemn features, lips taut as his brown eyes averted to the entrance of the castle, the vague flare of red swirling within his eyes as he intently watched the two men, exiting the enormous dwelling. Shifting firmly behind him she placed her hands atop his shoulders, the motion somewhat startling him as his head jerked to the side, his index finger held up beside his lips, indicating her to remain silent.

Nodding her head upon receiving the cryptic message within the simple motion she peered slightly over his broad, tense shoulder.

" Keep a look out, Chesta," Dallet instructed gruffly, lifting his hand and placing it above his knitted brows, blocking the diurnal rays as he skimmed his eyes across the landscape, deftly examining his surroundings whilst Chesta sauntered in the opposite direction.

" What now?" Hitomi whispered, scooting backward, as Van turned to her with his hand placed beneath his chin in a thoughtful manner.

" Stay here," He instructed, arising slightly as he whirled back to watch as Dallet wandered aimlessly affront the prodigious castle.

" Wait till I come back, and don't move. Got it?"

Numbly she nodded, clasping her hands beside her chest as Van stealthily ran across the small distance, swiftly skidding behind a protruding portion of the castle near the door as Chesta arched a delicate brow and peered his head toward the entrance.

" Hmm…" Shrugging vaguely he turned back around, folding his arms behind him as he continued his guard.

Heh……..looks like you need to find better guards Dilandau……..

Smirking, Van carefully slipped into the dwelling, heeding Hitomi's appalled expression as the door clicked into place, upon shutting it securely behind him.

Now……….to find it……

Dallet sighed, casually leaning against the wall of the castle. " What's taking him so long?" He scowled with a backward thrust of his head as he slumped tiresomely, crossing his arms over his broad, muscular chest. Perhaps he imagined it? Perhaps Van had not been spotted airborne near the castle? Could he have been hallucinating?

Shaking his head he shut his eyes. No...that's not possible. I'm almost positive I saw him…….

" And he wasn't alone………." He thought aloud, pulling away from the wall, whilst uncrossing his arms.

" That girl….from the Moon, was with him…"

" Seen anything, Dallet?" Chesta questioned, appearing affront the dazed man who, by impulse, drew his sword and placed it against the fair haired youths throat. Scowling he lowered the weapon upon seeing the intruder.

" Don't sneak up on me like that, you fool!" He scolded, slamming his sword angrily into its sheath, strapped to his waist by a thick, satchel belt. Grimacing Chesta stepped back slightly, a visible smirk twitching at his taut lips.

" What do you want!?" He demanded, angered as Chesta began to chuckle, grasping his chest, near his heart.

" You should've seen your face, Dallet," He exclaimed with a generous laugh. " It was priceless."

Found it……

Tugging the item into his palm, Van protectively folded his fingers over the circular gem.

And without a trace……..

Smugly he examined the room, which he'd been cautious in cleaning any signs of his presence. Drawers neatly hooked in place…windows partially left open, draperies drawn completely…..

" A good job indeed, Fanel," He complimented, while gingerly slipping the globe into his rugged pockets before slipping beside the door, meekly gliding it open before he slowly peered into the corridors. Scanning the premises, he carefully sauntered through the narrow halls, eyes leaping left and right before descending the stairs.

Dilandau jerked at the reigns, snapping angrily at the black steed as it abruptly halted, the sudden motion sending him smacking into the back of the horses head.

" Damn fool….." He muttered gruffly, subconsciously addressing the horse as though a human. Dismounting the stallion he slung his sword over the saddle, relishing the removal of the sufficient weight, nagging near his abdomen. Shaking his head slightly his white, silver tresses fluttered back in a tousled fashion, bangs gingerly sweeping backward before resuming their casual position above his narrowed eyes.

Apathetically he drew a long piece of rope from within the sack, tied beside the steeds ribs, grabbing the end and connecting it to the center, creating a secure knot, thus forming a large circular shape. Aimlessly he tossed the rope over the horses head, before trailing the rest to a nearby tree and tightly tying it to the base of the tree.

Giving the steed a stern glare he walked off, heading toward the castle, visible nearby. Lifting his arm he shoved the branched from his path. His sword would be of good use by now………

Damn……..

He thought irritably, as he reached for his sword, which was no longer tied to his waist. He must've left in on that horse. Sharply he looked up, studying the source, creating small noises nearby. Shifting behind a tree he generously squinted his eyes, struggling to see past the branches, blurring the slouched figure a few feet away. Their hair was short……..but it appeared female……

" Come on Van," Hitomi murmured worriedly, studying the entrance intently as she waited for the dark haired youth to exit.

" Where are you…?" Screeching she felt coarse arms embrace her from behind, snatching her backward, into the forest.

" Well, well. What have we here?" Dilandau chuckled sadistically, eyes forming into slits as she writhed against him, legs flaring forward as she strived to escape the youths captivity. Glaring he placed his hand over her mouth, pushing his palm roughly against her lips, muffling her petrified screams.

Looks like I just found my source to lure Van right into my trap…….

Sobbing she felt him tug her harder against him, her legs slumping against his as her energy abated with each progressive kick.

Perfect…..

Smirking wryly he lifted his arm from around her waist, gliding his hand above her collarbone before his thumb dug against her pressure point, her limp body, falling against his, indicating her unconscious state.

Pressing his ear against the doorframe, Van intently listened to the conversation between, what it seemed to be, Chesta and Dallet arguing…….though it appeared one sided as Dallet's gruffer, stern voice raged at Chesta in a chastening tone.

" Should we inform, Lord Dilandau?" Chesta questioned, tilting his head in the direction of the path, leading to a small town nearby.

" You don't think I saw Fanel, do you!?" Dallet scoffed, eyes narrowing at the meeker man.

" No, that's not what---"

" Look at what I found." Dilandau approached the two Dragon slayers, right arm raised, whilst his fist remained clenched in the collar of a girls shirt from behind, lifting her amply in the air, allowing both men to inspect her.

" Lord Dilandau!" They exclaimed simultaneously before Dallet quirked a tenuous brow toward the dormant girl.

" Is that……" He paused, unsure if he was seeing correctly.

" The moon bitch? You stand correct." Dilandau responded, a gold flare flickering past his eyes. Chesta turned worried eyes to the limp girl, not permitting the sadistic boy to glimpse it as he quickly turned his head to the side.

" How'd you get here?" He questioned, averting their attention from his expression, even if they hadn't bothered to look at him.

" Doesn't matter. Take the girl into my room," He ordered Chesta who gently lifted the girls into his arms.

" Dallet. Collect my horse." He instructed the other, who obediently nodded his head and headed toward the forest.

Van slipped his hand over the blade, securely strapped near his hips. Why did he even leave her by herself? He should've known better! Swiftly he hid behind a curtain, draped over a shut window near the entrance.

Breath…..concentrate……. He instructed himself as the pair of muffled voices increased. Eyes snapping open he listened warily as the door knob twisted, churning as the door frame glided open, followed by Chesta who was carefully carrying Hitomi within his arm, leading her towards the staircase. Dilandau defiantly strode in, eyes suspiciously shifting to the corners of the room, before they glided to a certain curtain, protruding more than usual…

Dilandau grinned maliciously as he studied the shadow motion tensely and scoot further into the confinements of the cloth.

Hmm…..so Van thinks he can trick me?

Composing his features, posture and stance into an oblivious fashion, Dilandau casually climbed the stairs, his impish grin increasing with each step achieved.

We'll see about that………

A/N: Please tell me if I did okay…….this is my first Escaflowne fic. Reviews are good. ^-^

"……" Talking

Italics Thinking

Bold Emphasis during thoughts, thinking….