Author's note: this has got to be a record for the longest it's taken me to write chapter! Yikes. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it. Please tell me what you think. ^_~
Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne, I do own any original characters.
Alone in Blood: X
Tears of Tomorrow
The nightingale sang a song to the moon and the stars. The night was as clear as crystal. Everything about it was prefect. The Moon, so full and round projected it eerie light to see by. The stars watched over everything providing company for those who had none. A warm breeze played through the trees. It made it's way to the open window gently touching silvery locks of hair. Magenta eyes closed and opened with new defiance and meaning. Dilandau felt almost detached from himself. He looked at the small attic room then reached over and picked up the small sack filled with his bloody uniform and a small amount of food. Tonight he would leave.
When at last the noise downstairs ceased and the candle light died he moved. Dilandau crept down stairs and reached the door, he silently thanked the family for their care then he opened the door and stepped outside.
"Don't move!" it was a whispered order from behind him. He turned slowly to see the wolf man pointing a knife at him, when he recognized Dilandau he lowered it. "What are you doing at this time?" he asked quietly.
"The time has come for me too leave. I'm bad at saying good-byes." He was blunt.
"I see. I won't ask you were you're going but don't you want to say good-bye to Laeh at least?"
"Especially not her. She knows me to well and I know her. I couldn't bare It, and yes I know I'm selfish." this was probably the longest conversation the two of them had had.
"Then take one of the horses from the stable."
"I couldn't, you've helped me so much already." Since when do I have a conscious? He thought to himself as he finally accepted the offer.
"Good-bye then." the beast man said.
"Good-bye." Dilandau sighed and walked the horse out of town before mounting up and galloping away.
I was stupid to think I could live forever like this. It's too placid for my taste, too peaceful. I need the hunt, the fighting. Blood and fire make me who I am. I need it to live. It makes me feel alive! I am Lord Dilandau… warlord of Zaibach. I have battles to win and Fanalia kings to mercilessly slaughter. That is who I am.
Dilandau felt some part of him fighting as his old self returned. But there was nothing to be done about it. He would continue on for now, back to his world.
****
Each morning was a form of torture. As the beautiful sun rose into the vast clear sky and the birds sang a happy tune, the slayers awoke to find another day had slipped away. Zaibach was nearing. Separation was nearing. The end was nearing…
Refina washed and cleaned up her room, even though it was already as clean as it could get. She went to the mess hall and ate in silence with the rest of the slayers. After breakfast she trained hard with her sword listening only to the swishing of the air moving around the blade. She was detached from it all, moving through life as though it was an endless procedure.
"You're here again this morning." Refina didn't pause until she had finished her pass. Then she faced the wall and replied.
"I come here every morning…" she turned around to see Folken silhouetted against the doorframe. She nodded respectfully. "Lord Folken…"
"You are a good fighter. It's a pity you'll be placed under my command." She looked at him surprised. And he smiled slowly, "what? You didn't want to be moved did you?"
"Well, no sir, but…"
"Don't bother. I knew that Zaibach would try and get rid of you if I didn't take you under my wing." Refina felt a flare of rage.
"What about Chesta!"
"They wouldn't believe I could use him…" he paused. "I can't act as though I'm overly fond with the Slayers. I loose ground that way with the higher ups."
"Oh really? So if it's convenient for you, then you'll do it? Is that how it is??" Refina sheathed her sword and headed towards the door, she was disgusted with the man soon to be her overlord. Folken lowered his head as she passed and whispered,
"We all miss him…"
*****
"Ginsan! He's gone!" Laeh ran down the stairs, the wolf man and elderly woman were sitting at the table. They looked at her calmly. The woman turned away and sipped her tea. Laeh watched the scene with confusion and frustration. "Didn't you hear me?" her voice was strained. "I said that Ginsan is gone."
"We heard you." the woman's voice was like a whip.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"He left last night, I didn't stop him." the beast man spoke. He paused then got up and left. Laeh ran out after him.
"Where did he go?"
"Laeh, let him go." The mouse girl frowned, her eyes were sad, but she stopped and faced the big man.
"But…"
"Laeh… just let him go." He went back inside and left the small girl standing there. He had left her… but what did you expect? Him to stay forever? He had a life before you, he was a warrior… it's obvious isn't it? You found him nearly dead but he was still a warrior, still someone else. He's not like an animal, a pet. Besides, even if he did want to stay he wouldn't, you know it. He had to go back…
Silently she made her way into the stables and patted the horses. One of them was gone. Ginsan must have taken it. She walked over to the empty stall. A bit black horse that some soldier had left behind at a battle had lived here. One of the villagers had taken it and he had lived here. Must have been the best choice for her Ginsan. If only she could figure out why he was so… closed up like that.
She was turning to leave when a glint of steel caught her eye. She turned back around and saw in the hay a pendant. It was a tiny sword on a chain. She smiled sadly and tears fell to the ground. It was from Ginsan she knew.
*****
Gatti was outside again. The same place he came to everyday. Eriya was always there. They often just sat in silence but it was enough.
"Beautiful day isn't it?" he asked that morning.
"Yes, beautiful." She answered without looking up.
"Tomorrow we arrive at Zaibach."
"Tomorrow."
"Do you think we're wrong about Dilandau? I mean do you think he was a bad person? That he abused us?" Gatti looked down at where she was crouched leaning against the wall.
"No… I think we were wrong. I think Zaibach is wrong. I think that Dilandau, no matter how crazy he seemed I think he knew battle and skill. And that you and the slayers are all excellent fighters."
"Things will get better."
"Are you sure."
"No. But if they don't I don't think I can live with it." Gatti walked over and sat down next to Eriya. They watched the sun rising higher into the sky. It was a very beautiful day. But there was always tomorrow and it was too close.
*****
Dilandau had been riding all day. He felt the conflict inside himself. He felt he owed Laeh. He had never owed anyone. But it was more than that. He felt sorry for ruining so many of lives. He wanted to help. The feelings of hate and anger burned like a fire, like acid spewing out within him until he wanted to scream because it had consumed him. What had she done to him? That healing girl had done more to him than met the eye… he was healed physically. But she had messed with him, she'd changed him. He no longer felt the self he was. He was pulling apart at the seams. He hated himself as much as he loved himself. He wanted to do everything in the opposite. There was nothing to do now. He had to go back.
It was sunset when he reached a ridge overlooking Zaibach. He would rest here and tomorrow he would… would find out just how much had changed.