Van sat in the corner of the room

Van watched Dilandau coming up the hall. He seemed like he was in a good mood. It was something you could read on Dilandau's face. He was about as mysterious as a glass of water. Something of his old self, told Van that he should take advantage of this and try to get inside his enemy's head more. He wasn't sure he wanted to understand him at all. But everyone had their weaknesses.

Balgus said that he had a good eye for judging character. Balgus said that his father had the tendency to expect only the very best from people. Maybe it was the coolness of his inhuman blood that gave him this ability. It had been easy what people were really like. He had been around more kinds of people in his life then he had cared to be.

If Dilandau stayed happy he would be lulled into revealing himself. Unless of course he knew that Van was trying to judge him.

Dilandau seemed very pleased at himself. He must have thought himself very clever and devious to sneak all this under Folken's nose. He almost seemed to swagger. Van watched him. He tried not to reveal anything other than interest in his package. He seemed satisfied, maybe even thrilled. It was as if this was his idea of seduction.

It was frightening. It was as if this is what he thought happened between to lovers.

Dilandau dropped the bottle in his hand, and smiled.

"For you. Just like I said, Tenshi. Didn't I tell you I could do it?"

Van stared at the bottle. Inside were little white tablets like little packets of Astorian soap. He had expected some cordial or tincture. The little white things were disturbing. They rattled around conspicuously. Every rattle of the bottle sounded like the take off of a thousand melefs. Everyone would know he had the bottle with him.

"It was a snap. All I had to do was ask for it." Dilandau gloated. "Why didn't you ask for something harder? If you wanted me to steal secrets or battle plans I'd be less suspicious." Dilandau said, "Why do I get the impression that you don't trust me?"

He paced mimicking a sword lunge. "I could do that you know. Get you escape plans out of here."

Van sat quietly.

"You obviously can't figure it out by yourself. I wouldn't have let them hold me for this long." Dilandau said, "I would have killed the first person to touch me."

"I'd never make it to Astoria. Even Folken couldn't stop that."

"It wouldn't be that hard of a trek. A few miles, over the energy mines and you'd be back in the borders."

Van's eyes lowered. Dilandau didn't realize the information he was spewing out. If he had he would have lied about their location, he would have known that Van knew enough about Energist production to figure out where they were.

Van looked at the table. He was never able to lie looking at someone.

"That's too close to Freid. I think I'll risk it here."

"Freid and Fanelia. Your little feudal wars are so boring."

Anyone with half a brain knew that Freid and Fanelia were always friendly. With these casual tests Van came to realize this warrior had the political savvy of a brick.

"I think it the duty of the prisoner to put up a good chase."

Van looked at him with a smile, "Find a hare. I'm not going to be hunted." It was only him now, why should he care when he ended up? This is what he should have intended. He was a very powerful person right now. He was the Pilot of Escaflowne.

If Hitomi or Merle were around he wouldn't have let them get caught. They were in Astoria, just like he had planned. It was his duty to keep them safe, no matter what it took. Though Balgus probably would have died before lying down with the enemy. He had to do something.

Dilandau poked Van's neck planning each kiss, He was tracing Van's chin as if he was planning where he would cut off his head. "If you're going to play this game, you could at least try a little harder."

"You want me to run."

"I want to chase you. I wouldn't be so cheap and lazy as to let my enemies get me." Dilandau frowned full of contempt, but none of the blazing and glorious hatred Van knew he was capable of those he did not like.

"There'd be no way to escape. If I run underneath it The Vione…"

"Of course underneath it the Vione would pick you off. But we can't fly through the mountains." Dilandau scoffed. "Not that would help you any. There isn't a mountain range for a hundred miles.

"Really?" Van said much too eager to listen to be believable, but Dilandau continued talking.

"There's only about a twenty pezoins of energist keeping us up here. And we're a 130-or140-peizo ship. This thing would crash like a ball of iron if we try to lift her above the stratosphere."

"And what about the stealth cloaks? What height do they stop working?"

"Oh I don't know. They don't like it cold so probably under 12 or 15 thousand…."

Van listened to the numbers Dilandau rattled off. Did Dilandau realize what he was talking about? The things that he was just giving away. He would say anything to make Van pay attention to him. He was a vain little bastard. All Van would have to do was ask him questions and he would answer. Unfortunately he only had a slight and basic knowledge how stealth cloaks worked.

Dilandau must have realized he was pumping him for information. He looked at him deeply. Van covered his mouth.

"I can barely understand any of this." Van said. "How did you learn so much?"

Dilandau puffed back up, "Well it would be hard. Don't be so hard on yourself." Dilandau said, "You were out of your league. It's a shame all your talent was wasted against us. Here I am boring you and boring myself."

Van lowered his head looking at his finger tracing the grain of the wood "I could have never… I don't know why I thought we could stand against Zaibach. It was silly."

"You barbarians do strange things." Dilandau said. "I will not hold that against you. We all do silly things. It's our job to teach you better. It is the burden of empire to educate the ignorant."

Van let Dilandau move closer. Let him stroke your hair. Not too much. He'll think your being forward. He doesn't like that. If I can fake the big eyes for a little longer….

Dilandau slid his fingers on his face.

Van watched his red eyes look down on him.

"You're trembling. I won't hurt you."

Van never thought that Dilandau could be lassoed into such paternal behavior. The more nervous and frightened Van appeared, the stronger Dilandau wanted to protect him, to be gentle, to condescend to him. Dilandau had never felt so confidant of his superiority in his life. It was easier for Van to appear as this the frightened and ignorant barbarian, then show his true emotions, whatever they were. Maybe he really was frightened and awkward. Maybe the touches did unveil in him an unquiet and deep feeling.

"Van-tenshi. How I would love you to forget this." His face was so close. He could feel his words against his cheek "That I could-"

"How many do I take?" Van picked up the bottle.

"This is strong stuff. Don't take too many."

"Then I'll see you tonight."

"But you won't remember."

He let Dilandau steal a kiss, on the lips, playful. Dilandau probably enjoyed it only because he had broken through his defenses.

He had gone to his own privy, and turned on the water to wash his hands to hide the sounds of the rattling. He trembled with the bottle.

If this were a potion how much should he take? Should he eat all of them? Dilandau said it was the potent kind. Needing only a few, no more than a few of them. He tried to make out the nearly undecipherable language on the bottle. All the while his brain fractured with images of pain and death. He started weeping for no reason.

Perhaps if he took too little it would not work. He'd rather take too much. At the very worst it would purge his brain of the memories of his life, the death of his kingdom. Maybe it would take it all away, destroy himself. He would not be taking his life, just his memories. He smiled. Maybe that was the way.

He poured some into his hand. And let the bitter sting of the drug work on him. He tried to hold himself up on the edge of the bowl.

*****

Miguel was at his side. He looked at Miguel. Staring at him. Did he know what Dilandau intended? And yet he still hung around.

Miguel had the tendency to pop into his head at the strangest times. Especially when he was thinking about screwing Van. He lowered his head.

While Van was very beautiful and exotic, the rather plain Miguel still intrigued him standing so silent as he walked down the hall.

It was just his body reacting. He noticed more and more of it each passing day. It seemed nothing could compare to the wanton looks of his eyes, not even Van's. Miguel's were hungry and elegant eyes. They didn't plead to Dilandau like Van's eyes. Van's eyes were innocent and trembled at his touch. He was so fragile and pure. But Miguel's eyes sang a different hymn, of heat and passion and devotion. Miguel would do anything for him. His body versed in the arts of pleasure

Dilandau cast a glance at him.

"Miguel, I will be with Van tonight."

Miguel stared at him. Dilandau could see the debate in those eyes, the color of his hair. His Captain and his Dark and Beautiful Demon. He wondered what Miguel could think of the angel that had come into his life? Would he be jealous? And of whom, would he envy the beautiful dark angel or him? His eyes were turbulent.

"My…."

"You don't seem too surprised. Nor happy either."

Miguel turned away.

"You've seen a lot of the world. You know how we could…"

Dilandau brushed against him much closer then he was used to.

Miguel closed his eyes. He caught the faint scent of shampoo off his skin. He would parlay with any demon for a chance to see more, to touch more. To feel Dilandau's skin and his pounding pulse.

"Miguel. Would it please you…" his tongue darted out from behind his white teeth "to be…."

Miguel shook his head. No this was wrong. This was a test. He would say yes and Dilandau would punish him and revile him. It could not be the truth.

"What would please my lord pleases me." Miguel said lowering his head.

"That's a decorous phrase. You're very polite to me." Dilandau said. He touched Miguel's shoulder softly, closing his eyes. His hand caressed his shoulder up to his bare neck. Miguel's eyes were cold and anger and jealousy, while his mouth remained still. What would Miguel's skin feel like compared to Van's?

He yanked his hand away before he realized it. Miguel stood up.

Dilandau shook his head "But I can't. I couldn't bed my Dragon Slayers. It would be wrong."

Miguel couldn't let Dilandau see his eyes.

"This boy is nothing, here or there. But you, you Dragon Slayers are mine: Under my command, under my responsibility. I couldn't betray that."

"Of course my lord."

Miguel bowed.

"I could not watch you do that…" Miguel said. "I'll stay outside to make sure you aren't disturbed."

Dilandau didn't thank him. He only passed Miguel.

Miguel heard a noise inside of Van's room. He ran inside to the bathroom.

Dilandau looked at the mess.

"Shit what in the fuck is all this?"

Van lay crunched in a ball

Dilandau pulled him up.

"Tenshi. Are you okay? Come on."

Miguel "Blood. Shit did he cut himself?"

Dilandau shook his head. "What garbage is that to talk about now?"

Miguel shook his head "Maybe he tried to kill himself…"

Dilandau shrunk back and let Miguel take over. He noticed the blood was coming out of his mouth. He must have bit his tongue

"Oh my god. What have you done? How many did you take? Tenshi. Come on. Are you alright?"

Van's stomach wretched against the poison, as if he were some kind of a machine.

"Pills? Where did these come from? Miguel swept them out of Van's mouth. Folken probably had given him some aspirin or sleeping pills. He had tried it.

Miguel checked his breathing. He was still alive. He was delirious and he was getting feverish. He flushed the remaining pills down the toilet, and tossed aside the bottle.

Dilandau stood in the back of the room staring, covering his mouth.

"Dilandau-sama, Where is Folken?"

"I don't know go get him."

The Dragon Slayer captain looked worried, "Get Folken. Say that his condition has returned."

"These aren't nightmares. He tried to-" Miguel said, "It could-"

"Of course but he's hallucinating again, saying stuff. Speaking lies. Just tell him his brother is going crazy." Dilandau glared at Miguel.

"But he took the pills?"

"Hurry up and go! And shut your mouth about the goddamn pills."

Folken was addressing his engineering staff about the Energist Propulsion when Folken noticed a Dragon Slayer approaching.

"Folken. The boy is ill again. I don't know what happened. He… went delirious." It wasn't true. They couldn't know his mind. He was dying and bleeding

"Van."

"Dilandau is watching him. There's blood and-"

Folken's eyes shattered, as if someone had thrown salt at them. He dropped his paper and followed Miguel running.

Dilandau stood at the door.

"He's gone nuts. He's saying all kinds off-"

Van screamed primal, shattering the ominous calm of night.

"FOLKEN! He's back. The demon. He's- AHHHHHHHH!" His screams were uncontrollable like something was attacking his soul.

"Van, I'm here. Quiet, calm down."

Van pulled himself up, shaking himself rocking himself trying to stumble into his room.

"Mama Mama. Don't leave me. MAMA! I'll be a good king I promise. Just don't leave. I love you mama. Don't leave."

"Van calm down. We're going to take you back."

The tiny boy shoved Folken aside as if he were a feather. Miguel approached him and Van punched him back.

"It's worse than before." Folken said pulling himself up. Van cornered himself waiting for anyone to move. His tiny hands clawed into the walls as if he were trying to claw his way out, never trusting the nameless demons approaching him. His fingers were digging into the wood itself.

Dilandau froze in terror in the back of the room. He had never seen anybody had such a vivid episode.

"The Demon. He's here. He wants to kill me. He wants me to kill myself. I can't I can't-"

Miguel tried to approach again. Van pounced and sunk back into his corner.

"No no no. I won't do it. Don't touch me. I told you not to touch me."

"Van we're not demons."

The other Dragon Slayers were filing in. They had heard the noise all the way down there and had to make sure Dilandau was all right.

Viole approached him.

"Dilandau-sama, are you all right?" she clutched his arm.

"It's all right."

"We came when we heard the noise." Gatti shoved her away and touched his captain's arm.

"It is nothing." Dilandau cut them off. "Why are you not at your posts. You're still on duty."

"We had to make sure you were."

"I don't need your concern. Return to your posts."

Viole, Malliel and Chesta stared.

"Immediately"

Dallet and Guimel came at the same time (coincidentally obviously, Dilandau thought to his disgust, couldn't they even try to conceal their comings and goings) both out of uniform.

Dilandau frowned "I see you woke up Dallet on your way down here to Guimel."

Dallet chuckled.

Guimel stared at the fight.

"Oh gees. He's gonna..."

Guimel broke through the line.

He approached Van from the side and threw him to the ground. He tried pinning him, but the boy was too strong. They bumped heads. Miguel and Folken joined Guimel and held him down

"Calm down, we aren't going to."

Van lifted his foot and thrust his heel into Guimel's face.

Miguel shook his head as they held down the boy. "Give him a sedative. He's gone mad."

"No. It will only slow down the effects of the drug. He must-"

Van stopped screaming. He looked at his brother "Folken."

The boys looked at each other. Van cuddled into Folken's arms.

"Where's Hitomi? Where did she go? The Dragon… The dragon…"

Folken held his brother as tight as he could.

*****

Guimel rubbed the bump on his head. "Oh that nasty little demon."

"Hey look a rhinocorn." Dallet poked the lump.

Guimel smacked the bandage against Dallet's head.

"Ow."

"I'm in a lot of pain." Guimel grumbled.

"Dah. But you did good."

"What good did I do? All I saw was I fight and I knocked him over and I killed myself." Guimel said.

"No you were brave. Dilandau-sama will notice," Dallet said, "He was watching."

"I don't want Dilandau to notice me. Anybody he notices he hits. I still can feel that time when we lost the Dragon. He didn't even touch me and my jaw is still sore. It's a wonder Chesta talks so slowly. His jaw must be on crooked." Guimel said. "It's just me being an old hard head. I thought it was Viole and Gatti finally killing each other."

"He's a real demon." Dallet said, "I mean he was just playing around with us before when he whupped Gatti. I didn't know a person could get like that…"

Chesta looked "Have you ever noticed what Dilandau says over the coms? You guys never see his face. Once I saw his eyes. Glaring through the port. They looked… like a mad dog's. He never looks like that except when he's in there."

"Man but how are we going to tell what we think about this guy."

"He's a real demon."

Miguel twisted his lips.

"There aren't demons. He's just crazy. Like us. There is nothing he can do that we couldn't."

They looked at Miguel.

"You were closer than any of us Miguel. You know what he did. And you can't say you're not scared."

Miguel lowered his chin "No. Tenshi has been through something. That always changes you."

Viole looked "Tenshi?"

"It's Astorian, I think, means um I don't know spirit… um."

"Angel."

"Yes Angel."

Viole blinked "What's an angel?"

"Something from religion. You know, guardians, they have wings or something."

Viole leaned back. "Only Draconians have wings. They don't do anything magical, they are just proto-humans. Even Fanelians are more civilized."

"But it fits that fighting style. Kind of Barbarian Angel." Guimel rubbed his head.

*****

Van slept lightly in the bed in the infirmary, whimpering and throwing his hands at phantom bats. He scratched his face and reopened the tiny cut on his chin. He was trying to rub his face off.

"This wasn't a relapse of the original drug. See this was probably administered after. By pill or some other method." The doctor said to Folken.

"I hate to think what it must have done." The boy's brother shook his head

Van fluttered his eyes open.

"Why are you looking down on me onii-we?"

"You're in bed."

Van looked at himself laying down "Where am I?"

"Rest Van. You just had a severe attack."

"What did I do? My throat hurts. Why are my fingers hurting?"

You were screaming so loudly, it's any wonder.

He breathed in deeply, "What did I do?"

"It will be all right."

"DAMNIT What did I DO? Give me an honest answer for once."

"You assaulted some of the Dragon Slayers and me. You were hallucinating."

"No. No. I wasn't. It can't always be that. It has too"

Van pulled himself up he scratched his face.

"I don't want to be in here anymore. I want to see my guymelef. I'm going to go see Escaflowne."

"Van you should rest."

Van stood up. "I'm fine. See the infirmary is for the sick. I shouldn't stay here and I need to see my guymelef. Then I'm going to go lie down."

"Van. You almost died."

Van smiled and walked towards the door.

"We can't make him stay." The doctors said. "It will be better if you take him to his own room."

"Can't you order him to-" Folken pleaded.

"I'm going to put my face on Escaflowne and lie down. It's cool. It makes my head cool. My head is so hot." Van raked his fingers through his hair. "I need to see it."

"Why don't we go back to the room?"

"He is still under the drug. There is no reasoning with him."

"I'll make sure he doesn't hurt himself."

"It may last a few hours. It may last a few days. These are powerful drugs. But if Van recovered before… he might again."

*****

Van walked along. "Even when I close my eyes I can see. They are all trying… They can't. I don't want to see." He rubbed his hair as if trying to alleviate the itch of irritation his visions were giving him. He couldn't rest his mind.

"Folken come here." Van said, "I'm looking for Escaflowne. Then I'm going to go lie down." He did not seem mad. He seemed only tired.

"Yes Van it's over here."

Van touched the metal of the guymelef with his face.

"My head is hot. I just want it to stop." Van almost muttered. He rested his face against the metal. He winced once, seeing something in the air.

"I'm going to lie down here."

"Van."

"No they'll know I'm going back. The demon is going to be there. He knows where I sleep. If I'm not there he won't get me. I'm so tired. It's all so…"

Van rested on his back.

"My brain won't stop. I can see fire inside too. My head burns. It's so hot. I just want to sleep."

Since they were hallucinations it would not matter if he closed his eyes. What was he seeing what were these demons? Eventually his body slumped into sleep. Some measure of the drug had been used up. At least enough so his body could rest, though his dreams were probably hurting him just as much.

Folken couldn't leave his brother slumped over the toe of his guymelef. He picked him up and carried his to his room, and hoped for once, his brother was too tired to dream.

*****

Folken was looking in his laboratory, searching frustrated.

"Where is the Ruhypnol? I swear I was going to throw it out." Folken called out to no one. The lab slave gulped. Folken wasn't the type to get angry about trivialities, but when he did usually it ended up with something broken, shattered or burnt.

Once a few weeks ago while the Dragon Slayers were away and the men were attacking their target, he literally tipped over his table over a lost beaker. He was slow to anger. But a terrible force of power once moved. That was why he had come from the Barbarian lands; his family threw him out of his home (a harsh fate indeed.)

"Master Dilandau claimed he needed it for his biological experiments."

"What kind of..." He smashed the beaker on the ground "It would only have effect on humans... I think the little brat would prefer using poison on mice."

The lab slave whimpered.

Folken shattered the jar on the ground.

"I'll find it myself."

And then he was left alone, alone except with this tight ball of anger inside of him. It was sucking more and more of him inside. He hated it when he got like this. He felt everything he stood for start to collapse. He was horrible. He was vulgar. He was the barbarian. In the end the lab laid in a shambles, glass everywhere.

He sat in the wreck.

Lately he had only had to number the days before he would do something like this. As the reality of the Fanelian invasion approached he should have known a peace, knowing he was saving his brother and his homeland from their own foolish pride. That he was bringing order and light to the barbarian land. Despite the initial brutality of their plan in the long run they had come to help.

But the barbarian in him riled. Something he had not rid his spirit of, some foreign devil that could take over his mind in a flash of anger. He had struck Dilandau, he had wept like a child when he saw his brother cry. And now watching all his dreams fall apart. Feeling the weight of the deaths upon him, his heart burned again.

Folken the Strategos was helpless. He could run the country. But he could not pull his brother from the depths of madness.

Even in his sleep he heard his brother's cries in his head. They mixed with the sounds of fire, but it was Van's cries that resounded in his dreams.

"I saw him, he came into my room and ripped off my clothes and- don't leave me brother he'll come back. His hands are so cold, don't let him hurt me."

Folken tried to shake his head of the images. Trying to find the one drug that would solve his-

"The drug will drive him mad, already he has had visions of someone in his room."

In his mind, he saw Dilandau's face smile darkly. The way he had every time he had entered Van's room. That gleaming horrible smile. He had thought his brother so far gone as not to recognize the truth.

But he had said Dilandau had come into his room.

Folken growled.

"I'll kill him."

*****

Van slept naturally and deeply for the hours in his bed. He woke up. He knew who he was and he knew this was not a dream. He stood up, feeling a little woozy. He walked into the bathroom.

It was nearly destroyed. It smelled horrible like someone had been sick and no one cleaned it. His head was warm. He wondered if it was a fever. He placed the water on his face. He normally didn't like it on his face.

He looked at the sink. A green bottle. He picked it up.

Enough of three days ago came back. Dilandau coming into his room. He dropped the bottle and it bounced. He tried thinking about after that.

Nothing, only the brilliant flash of Dilandau touching him there, and nothing. He covered his eyes. There was darkness. He needed more sleep. Maybe a little more food. He was thirsty. He could down to the mess soon and get something to drink.

*****

Dilandau and the Dragon Slayers were sitting at the table at lunch, as usual, at their table.

"You son of a bitch." Folken broke in.

Dilandau barely blinked before the Dragon Slayers had surrounded his body.

"Stand aside so I can teach that wretch-"

The Dragon Slayers stood around him as implacable as Dilandau's face. Dallet grabbed towards his sword like an eager racehorse. Folken knew he was ranting at this point. He barely flinched at the loss of control. He couldn't care.

His lieutenant grabbed his arm.

"Commander Folken."

Folken shrugged him off gently.

He walked up to Miguel in front of Dilandau. Miguel stared him in the eye, absolutely frightened. Only he was close enough to see him armed with his honor sword.

Miguel's eyes pleaded with him.

Maintain some control, Folken pulled back. He couldn't unleash all of the fury in his heart towards him. That was not how it was done. The young slayer looked like a frightened kitten, but he would do anything to protect his master.

He couldn't attack Dilandau now; too many innocents would sacrifice themselves to protect him.

"All I can do is hold back my arm knowing your men, innocent of all but deception so that they serve you."

"Folken, it isn't like you at all. Are you sure Van's affliction is not contagious? Perhaps it is a fever in the brain. Maybe one of those hereditary conditions."

Folken fumed.

"Perhaps something that runs in the Fanelian blood crossed and polluted as it is. I hear that the sons of Fanelia took demon women as lovers. It is a strange line," Dilandau sat up.

"Though you are the exception Commander Folken, I would say on the whole royal blood is so corrupted and inbred it produces such minds. I pity your brother for his affliction."

"His affliction is your dishonor of him." Folken stared out at the men. "He, an honored Lord of Gaea, a prince, treated worse than a foreign slave."

Dilandau refused to even raise an eyebrow.

The Dragon Slayers stared at each other. The slave boy was a prince and Commander Folken's brother.

Already he could feel his temper cooling as they heard this tale. It spoke for his rage better than any sword.

"When he first came to our Vione, he had to be drugged for his own safety. But to my error I provided the wrong drug, which left him addled and unaware of his surroundings, he hallucinated many things. Including a certain young captain entering his room, ripping off his clothes and committing..." there were no words that could describe it enough "Indecent and savage acts upon him."

The Dragon Slayers looked at each other in shock. Folken stepped up to Dilandau but they stood firm. Gatti put his hand to his pommel. A gesture mimicked by many of Folken's men.

"Then I informed Master Dilandau of this fact he said nothing. And of late I have found he had taken the drug for his own use, for some unknown purpose."

"To go and rob a church perhaps, steal babies, eat pillows? Am I the figment of some addled boy's delusions?" Dilandau held his fake indignant anger so well. "Am I his nightmare? You said yourself he hallucinated. Why shouldn't he hallucinate such an unbelievable tale?"

Dilandau turned to Miguel.

"I, the paragon of virtue, the Icon of Purity and Decency, the Victor of Arcadia, raped him, the Barbarian lord of Fanelia. Why should I consort with such a creature? I would sooner find interest in the king of Rats, than the king of such a barbarous race. You yourself have criticized the backwardness of it more than I. I had held my tongue in honor of you, Commander Folken. But now I doubt that there is no race more pernicious and barbarous than that of the Fanelians. And now with this upstart's accusations-"

"Van does not make these accusations. I do."

"You know your jealousy of my prestige is pathetic Folken-sama."

"And so is your attempt at lying." Folken smirked.

Miguel looked up. "Commander Folken. I must speak. Dilandau couldn't have been with your brother. He was in my room upon this night you speak. Several of these nights. Dilandau is so plagued by the thought of failing in his studies."

Guimel turned bright red immediately.

"Trigonometry was the topic of discussion." Miguel nodded.

Dilandau laughed, "I just cannot have a head for it, I am ashamed to say."

The Dragon Slayers nodded and smiled. Agreeing with the comments about Dilandau's problems with trigonometry.

"Though no disrespect to my lord and master, his concerns are greater than that of the liberal sciences. I did not wish to embarrass him."

"Labariel I believe my slight embarrassment cannot compare to Commander Folken's."

It was all such a marvelously believable show. The way Dilandau heaped layers into this performance. Who couldn't believe such a ridiculous tale? The Captain of the Dragon Slayers was in his soldier's room studying mathematics. This was one of the three best lies Folken had ever heard. On the other hand, his Dragon Slayers would have agreed with him if he had said he was on the Mystic Moon hunting talking bananas and dancing piimas. Everyone knew the Dragon Slayers would lie for him.

"So I guess your accusations do not hold weight." Dilandau uncrossed his arms.

"Where's the drug? This shall speak the tale. If you have it--"

"I do not have it."

"You are lying. There isn't a person here that really believes you wouldn't try something like this."

Folken took a step forward. Dilandau took one step back.

In the corridor leading into the mess hall, Van padded along the edge of the door. He could hear Folken's voice booming to the corners of his soul. Van looked at the green bottle in his hand. He swore. Folken wouldn't hesitate to get himself killed over his brother's honor.

The Dragon Slayers glared at the soldiers of the Vione. Dallet was so angered had his hand around the hilt of his sword. Even timid Chesta had his sword painfully showing. Hand on his hip. They were only waiting before Folken came close enough so Gatti would draw.

Folken took another step towards him.

"Brother. Is this the bottle you seek?"

When Van popped in from the hall, Dilandau's mouth fell open in shock, but he shut it.

"You must have forgotten where you put it. It was in my chambers."

Van dropped it in Folken's hand.

Van cast a deep glance at Dilandau. Dilandau flinched.

"I was using it. My mind is too troubled to sleep."

"You have been using it since?" Folken said.

"I thought it was a cordial to help me sleep."

"I told you before brother. This is a dangerous drug. Not some cordial you can take without impunity. They were all just delusions."

"Did I say something unseemly, against my knowledge when I was asleep?"

His imperious gaze penetrated through Dilandau. The Captain was turning green.

"You said that Dilandau broke into your room while Folken was elsewhere."

Van turned away from Dilandau.

"Oh my word."

His eyes lowered.

"That I had said anything else." Van covered his mouth.

"What are you saying?" Folken said.

"Oh Dilandau-sama, forgive me. You must forgive me. Such a thing to say."

Dilandau opened his mouth.

"That I could hope to sully your reputation. How would you ever be moved by my countenance so dark and beastly? And my wits so untutored by the true knowledge of Zaibach, let alone. I said that he bestowed his favor upon me."

Dilandau was shocked by the performance. This boy should have been in the theater, not in politics. Folken continued becoming more embarrassed.

"You said he did various... inappropriate acts upon you while you couldn't fight back."

Dilandau didn't know anyone else who could fake a blush. Van turned bright red.

"Nay, Nay. Never. Oh forgive me Dilandau-sama. In your mercy forgive. I had no intention. I must be... be going mad to say such things. You, a gentleman of such integrity would never force himself out of his position, to exceed the bounds of decency with a lord so far above his station, so much higher than he. I after all, am the King of Fanelia, Lord of Gaea. How could any sane man think of offending me when I am helpless? It would be death for sure. And no one would want that. What is the crime for that in your kingdom?"

Dilandau tried not break his face.

"Hubris I believe the appropriate term is. Sentence is death by immolation. They tie you the stake for that, don't they? Burned alive."

Van brushed Dilandau's arm, "I don't think anyone would be reckless enough to wish that upon himself."

Van held his ear, "I cannot imagine why I would say such things."

Folken held him "It was clearly the drug. You have no responsibility for what delusions you have uttered."

"They were just a simple boys fancies. You must understand." Van reached for Dilandau's hand, "Forgive me."

Dilandau was flustered by the loss of his control. He accepted Van's touch.

"Of course."

Van pulled away. Dilandau held him a little long.

"You do yourself much injustice. There is the beauty of the darkest night in you. Your brother should be such a guard to it."

"I thank you Fair and Brave Captain."

Van only tipped his head slightly. Kings didn't bow, not even to other kings. He had every ounce of his royal composure despite his youth. Dilandau bowed to the king.

"I must go talk to my brother. We will talk later." Van said.

"Of course."

Van left behind his brother leaving, casting one glance at the Captain, a superior gaze, the first one. It said one clear message; you owe me Dilandau

****

Folken stared at his brother as they entered the room.

"Where did you get them?"

"I found them. I thought it would make me forget the pain. I almost could."

Folken turned around.

"Do you realize the danger you put yourself in?"

"I'm sorry I worried you when I- I did not know how much I should take." Van said. "All I knew was that it could erase memories."

This was a lie, he had figured out very soon. He knew it was too much. But how could he say such things to his brother? How could he tell Folken of all people that he would rather die then bare the shame of knowing what he had done? How could Folken have such guilt and still be a traitor?

"What is so horrible you must use this to ease your mind? The attack? Was it so horrible that you would…."

He stopped himself again.

"I'm sorry I scared you." Van said. His head bowed as low as he could.

"It is not only that, Van. I should have watched you more carefully. But there is another you should fear. You should not look at Dilandau like that. He would prey upon your emotions and weakness in ways you can't imagine."

Folken touched the bruise on his neck. "Dilandau knows nothing of sin or impropriety. If he desires you, or lusts after you…"

Van lowered his eyes.

"I didn't realize till now that he would be insane enough to try to corrupt you by-" Folken didn't say the words, "That fiend should be horsewhipped within an inch of his worthless life, if that... Kill the little beast…" the last guards against his anger were falling down. "To insinuate such vile things about you, to pervert your heart with his lusts?"

Folken held his brother, resting his chin on Van's head.

"I will not worry you. Van you must not despair. I promise I will stop him. I can protect you."

He clutched Van to him, much too tight, as if to hide him from sight.

Van couldn't stay like that forever.

Dilandau walked to the door, looking puckishly, but still monstrously frightened. Folken gnashed his teeth.

"Stay away from my brother. Or I'll throw you off this ship. And I doubt you'd like to fly without a guymelef."

"I see you want a nice draconian boy consorting with your brother. To stay among your own kind."

Van glared at the boy.

"Wait outside Folken. I have to tell him some things."

"I won't leave you to him again."

"He'll behave." Van said.

"We couldn't trust him when you were drugged."

"Folken…"

Folken lifted his cape, almost floating out of the room.

Van took a drink of water.

"Is that close enough to danger for you Dilandau?"

Dilandau glared at him. "You are incredible. I didn't know you had it in you."

"You don't know me." Van said, "You don't know a thing about me. In your life you've seen a shadow of a dream."

"Gods, you're something beautiful. It's getting harder to look away. Like some kind of phoenix writhing in fire."

Van turned away, "I'll never love you."

"I know." Dilandau's eyes wavered this time.

Dilandau cupped his chin in his hand lifting his head up and kissed him against the cheek.

Van tried to relax, surrendering to the inevitable, Dilandau's raw hard lust pounding against him, for the rest of his life. Dilandau looked at him and walked away.

Folken nodded "That scared him straight."

"When he comes you won't be around." Van thought to himself. "He'll come again. Dilandau doesn't stay spooked off."

Dilandau was fascinated by danger as well as beauty. The prospect of both was a new thrill. A dangerous highborn lover, whose very existence can get him killed. He loved the thrill.

It was driving him, yet tempering his initial lust.

Dilandau would come by night.

*******

Dilandau stepped on his window onto the small ledge. It was a night for it.

He wondered that explosion must have looked like from this view. Their was no better view than his window ledge out the Vione.

No one besides the Dragon Slayers knew he spent time on the outside of the ship. He had perfect balance. They never said anything. It would look to any fat old general impossible. And they didn't want to believe Dilandau couldn't do anything he wanted to.

The sight of the burning wreckage was now different. The little flames peeked up at in him with veins of fire. Gorgeous embers you could see for this height in the sky. It was interesting, and beautiful. Fire was always a beautiful thing. In any stage.

Dilandau began to stretch. He did have plans for tonight.

He smiled and thought of taking him again. That willing soft body. He'd be more responsive this time. He knew he would be pleased.

Dilandau settled the rope around his waist, and repelled down the edge of the ship. It was a good night to be out. The wind wasn't as bad as it could have been. It whipped his silvery hair into his eyes. His tiara kept it pulled back, out of his eyes so he could see.

Dilandau had been careful to find the right room. It would have ruined everything if he chose the wrong portal.

There was a thrill in that. What if he couldn't find the right one? The climb to his window was easy enough. But the countless portholes and windows in the Vione were almost indistinguishable.

The window was there. He had lost a scrap of his cape on a snag on it.

Van laid there turning restlessly. Waiting something he could not even know. Dilandau felt his mouth water a little. Their was something so basic about this need to seem him again. It was much more than a hunger for a favorite food. It was like a thirst. The most exquiste thirst he ever felt. He wanted to quench his passion on this golden honey skinned youth.

The window opened. Van cowered in the bed.

"I told you I'd return."

"Your brother is gone." Dilandau said.

"He's becoming too much of a nuisance for you yet?" Van asked

Dilandau pinned him to the wall in the dark.

"Kiss me my Tenshi-sama. Angel Prince. "

Van shivered. "Just go, I won't tell him you came. He'll just get…"

"Good."

Dilandau kissed him. There was a new flavor to his kiss, that of power, of anger of fire against his tongue.

"Just be quick about it." Van closed his eyes as Dilandau kissed his neck.

"You know Van I think you're beginning to warm up to me."

"I'm too tired to fight you." Van said touching Dilandau's hair.

"And you don't have your sword?"

Van sighed, "Yes I do, and my own blaster and a very loud alarm. Folken wants me armed at all times."

"But that's not fair. How do I know that after we make love you won't shoot me through the head?"

Van crossed his arms "That's the point."

Dilandau laughed.

"You are very interesting person, Van-sama."

Van blinked. He was calling him Van-sama, of all things.

"I'm leaving soon. Kiss me goodbye. I don't want to forget you."

"If you swear to leave me alone."

"Now that's ridiculous." Dilandau said "You've driven me mad. I can't leave you alone now."

Van turned his head.

"Then I'll kiss you."

Dilandau forced his head in towards the kiss Van closed his eyes and kissed him. It had become so nice kissing him. It was enough to forget, enough to die into.

"Yes you like that."

Dilandau walked down the hall. Van walked in the other direction

"You won't forget me?"

"I wish I could."

"You've been rather decent about this whole thing Van-tenshi. Not getting all messy and stupid about it. There could have been trouble if you hadn't-"

"Lied."

Dilandau chuckled "We'll have to do this again some time."

"If I ever see you again it will be too soon."

"I never understood what that phrase meant."

Dilandau walked away.