Title: The Dragon King
Author: riane
Rating: M
Spoilers: Based on the Escaflowne, the movie. Alternate universe. Inspired by the opening fight scene.
Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne. Just another fangirl :)
Author's Notes: As usual, I don't know where my fics will end up when I start them. Bear with me. This is an exploration of the darker side of Van...and yes, I do believe in happy endings :)
...
For as long as there is war, he knows how to live.
He remembers the stench of fire and death, the coppery tang of blood. He remembers the taste of bitter ash in his mouth. He remembers being transfixed by fear.
And he learns, very quickly, the price of weakness.
Rage fuels him, when his limbs ache for rest, and his mind cries out for oblivion.
In battle, he is unstoppable. White-hot rage, sinewy muscle, and unrivalled skill with his sword has a predictable outcome - swiftly delivered death, by his hand. He is a shadow that leaves bloodied footprints in his wake.
They call him the Dragon King. And Dragon King he is, with his deadly blade, impossible wings, and dark resolve to kill all of his enemies.
Yet...even the Dragon King has his demons. They jolt him out of restless sleep, and make him howl with blind rage, a white-knuckled grip on his sword.
What use is all his skill, when he was unable to fight when it mattered the most?
He soothes himself by clutching even tighter on his blade, droplets of sweat snaking down his taut muscles.
This time, he does not greet his demons alone. He hears the unmistakable sound of light footsteps near his door, and reflex kicks in - he leaps off his bed, onto the hard wooden floor, silver blade glinting in the near-darkness. 'Who is it?' he hisses.
The answer is one he does not expect. 'H-Hitomi,' she whispers, and he sees her standing by the door as his eyes adjust to the half-light. 'I heard you scream, and I came to see if you were -'
He mutters under his breath, hating his weakness. 'I am fine. This does not concern you. Go back to sleep.'
She stands there, her eyes limpid pools that reflect the moonlight.
'What are you waiting for?' he snaps, irritated. 'Go!'
She steps forward clumsily. 'Please - Van, can I stay here? I - I dream too, and I cannot sleep -'
Something dark and fanged clutches at his heart, and his pulse begins to race. 'No,' he says flatly, returning to his bed. 'Leave me.'
He hears her whimper and run out of his quarters. His pounding heart slows, and he tells himself that solitude is the only safety he has left. The walls barricaded around his heart are cold and impenetrable, and he cannot risk anyone coming close. Least of all, a girl from the Mystic Moon. The complications that would entail are too much for him to even contemplate.
He closes his eyes and wills himself back to sleep, seeking solace in the darkness of night.
...
To be continued