Love can Change You 10
A/N: Ten chapters. Where does the time go? I'd like to dedicate this one to those of you who've reviewed. As to your comments: Yes. I have been trying to make Refina into a heartless bitch. Have I succeeded? She obviously does serve a part in the story, so I can't kill her just yet. *Ducks rotten fruit* And I think that I should confirm that this is a D/H fic. There's just no overt evidence of it. And as to the question of how a liquid could change someone's personality: Zaibach sorcerers have made stuff that turns men into women! A little personality change shouldn't be too hard.
Oh yes. I do not own Escaflowne or any of its characters. I would not be saying this, but Shoji Kawamori is standing beside me with a gun pointed to my head.
Hitomi stared in awe at the mighty guymelef that stood in front of her. The massive machine stood over five meters tall, and was black and green like her armour. Sunlight glinted off of the closed cockpit, and right then Hitomi wanted nothing so badly as she wanted that machine.
Footsteps sounded and Dilandau stood at her side. "Oh man." Hitomi gasped. "That is a thing of beauty." Dilandau nodded. "It was built from the same models as the other Alseides. Would you like me to give you some pointers?"
Hitomi nodded eagerly, and Dilandau watched as the excited teen raced to her machine.
She scrabbled around on the outside for about fifteen minutes, Dilandau watching in amusement. He was just about to show her how to open it up, when, with a rumble, it did just that. Dilandau stared as she squealed with glee and climbed inside the pilot's seat. "How did you figure out the lock?"
Hitomi smiled smugly. "I have my ways. I'd tell you, but I prefer to remain a mystery." She gazed at him under half-lidded eyes and licked her lower lip. Dilandau stared. Was she teasing him again? He shook of the feeling. 'Cut it out you! This isn't the fight. She was teasing you then to catch you off guard. Yeah, that's it.'
"Hey, boss! You gonna show me how to work this thing or do I have to start stripping to catch your attention?"
"Would you?" Dilandau slapped his hand over his mouth. He did not just say that! He did not! "Sorry." He mumbled.
Hitomi stared. Was Dilandau apologising, and blushing, and mumbling all at once?
Once he recovered himself, Dilandau was all business. He got in the 'melef and pointed out various functions. "This switch starts the activation sequence. It powers up the systems, and fills the cabin with protective goo. It keeps us from getting too badly hurt." He added, seeing her face. "Put your arm in that socket. Feel the handle? Twist it to activate your flame-thrower. Pull it and your crima spears launch. Pull and twist left and you form a sword. Twist right, and you form a shield. You have to push back to deform it. This is the radar, and communications equipment. If you ever get lost use them to find your way back to the Vione. Over here we have the flight valve. I'm not sure how it works, but it fixes the legs together, and lets the thing fly. This switch activates your stealth cloak. You understand?"
Hitomi nodded and pointed to various switches. "Flame-thrower, crima, sword, shield, cloak, radar, flight and comm system".
"Good. You're a born soldier Kanzaki."
"Oh, I don't think so."
"Why not? You have attitude, you can fight, you understand mechanics, you're gutsy." 'You're beautiful and sexy.' Dilandau mentally slapped himself. 'What the hell is wrong with me?'
Hitomi hesitated. "Maybe." She sighed. "I really don't know why I'm telling you this.but I don't think I could kill a person. I try to see myself doing it and I just can't picture it."
Dilandau stared. Part of him wanted to tease her about it. But the part of him that wanted to help won. 'I really am screwed up. Maybe I should take medication.' He shook off the thought and came up with a way on how to start. "I've known lots of great warriors who hated to kill. One of them once told me that it helps to think of them as a line on your resume, not as people." He hesitantly put an arm around her shoulder, unsure of how she'd act. She just sighed and leaned into him.
"Believe it or not, that makes me feel better." They sat like that in silence for a moment. They quickly broke apart when they heard voices coming.
The approaching Dragonslayers had no idea that their commander had had his arm around one of his soldiers moments before they came in.
What they saw was Hitomi sitting dreamily in her new guymelef, and Dilandau halfway across the hangar, opening up his. "Well boys, today we get some 'melef training. As you can see, Kanzaki has her own now. She'll be included in the practice and she knows how to drive the thing, so don't go soft on her." By now Dilandau and Hitomi had shut their machines and the slayers were getting in theirs. When everyone was ready, Dilandau said, "Lets move out!" and he flew through the open bay doors.
Hitomi twisted the valve and her Alseides' legs locked together. Her guymelef was floating in the air! Another few twists and she shot forward.
It was a giddy feeling flying. She'd flown on Escaflowne before, but this made her feel like she had wings of her own. Up in the sky, she could see down on the lands below. Trees, lakes, and a town all looked like toys from up here! It was like.oh she couldn't explain it.
The comm speaker crackled, snapping Hitomi out of reverie. "Hey Hitomi!"
"Hi Chesta. Having fun?"
"Oh, you know it. I never get tired of the flying. How do you like it?"
"I can't describe it."
"I've been telling these louts that for five years. They still won't believe me."
"Hey", Dalet yelled, "We can hear you, you know."
Chesta snorted. "There's not much point to insulting you when you can't hear. Anyway, there's something special about these insults."
"What?"
"Their targets are all ugly cretins." Hitomi laughed. "I don't know Chesta. Isn't that a compliment?"
"I'll get you both when we land." A chorus of agreement came from the other guys. Then Dilandau had to interrupt.
"Cut the chatter or I'll feed you all to my flame-thrower!"
Silence reigned for the rest of the trip.
***
The flight landed in a mountainous forest. Hitomi was glad her armour was insulated, because there was snow on the ground. And in the air too. She took two steps and was hit in the back of the head with a snowball.
She whirled and saw Dalet running like mad. Hitomi smiled. She caught up in no time, then tackled him into the snow. She laughed as he stumbled to his feet, then was hit by another snowball. This time thrown by Miguel. Ryoun retaliated on her behalf, whomping him from the side.
Soon there was an all out snow war declared. It was every man for himself. Snowballs filled the air, and laughter rolled through the trees.
Dilandau returned to camp, from a pee break, to the sight of his entire command laughing hysterically as they threw balls of snow at each other. He scowled. Soldiers should not be having fun on a training exercise! Gatti and Viole had just thrown Chesta in a snowdrift, for God's sake!
He walked forward, pushing men aside, screaming for order. Apparently someone didn't like order because he was hit in the face with a snowball.
Seething, he turned and saw the culprit. Hitomi! She was leaning against a tree, that smile of challenge on her lips, and tossing another snowball up and down in one hand. Then she hurled it and Dilandau had to duck.
Growling, he stooped and picked up some snow. When he was ready to throw, Hitomi was already gone. He looked round and saw her, hiding behind Guimel's 'melef. Smiling, the general crept forward. This was going to be sweet! She was going to get a taste of her own medicine! He was almost there now. He turned the corner, ready to throw and got snow in the mouth. She knew he was coming!
Spitting out snow, he chased her into the forest.
It was a few minutes before their absence was noticed. When one unknown slayer suddenly asked, "Where's Lord Dilandau?" the fighting stopped. Guimel pulled Chesta out of the drift, and brushed him off. Dalet tried to unplug the snow from his ears, and Ryoun's glasses were so fogged that he could barely see.
"Did you guys see where he went?" He asked, cleaning his spectacles. Viole shrugged.
"I think he went after Hitomi. I didn't see where they went."
Guimel looked thoughtful. "Did he smack any of you guys?"
"No. Why?"
"Well I don't know about you, but I was expecting to get knocked into next week." Guimel looked even more thoughtful. "Does Lord Dilandau seem different to you?"
The group thought for a moment. Then Chesta nodded. "He's been a lot less violent to us lately. In fact, I don't remember him being so nice since he got drunk and gave us two weeks off at Cesario."
"Wait a minute." Gatti cut off the reminiscence. "Are you saying that Dilandau's been changed on us?"
"No. Just that he's different. And it seems to happen around Hitomi."
Ryoun straightened, stretching the kinks out of his back. "Well maybe he likes her." He laughed at the idea. He stopped when no one else did. "Come on guys. This is DILANDAU we're talking about!"
"So? He's still human."
"Some people would argue that."
Chesta interrupted the argument. "Let's fight later, okay? For now we need to find them." They agreed, and the slayers split up into search parties.
***
Dilandau waited. He had climbed this tree to set his trap. His eyes were on Hitomi, as she walked below. She knew he was around somewhere, but she didn't know where. He grinned. Now! He shook the tree branch and lots of snow collapsed on Hitomi. She gave a quick scream of fright, and Dilandau laughed and jumped down onto her.
Laughter shook the forest as the two wrestled for a few minutes. Hitomi put up a good fight, but Dilandau's strength and training gave him an edge. He pinned her arms down with his own, and his legs entwined with hers to keep them still. His grinning face was all of four inches from her laughing one.
"And so the hunter has become the hunted." Dilandau laughed too.
"See? I knew you could have fun if you tried."
Dilandau frowned. "You mean that this whole thing, the snowball to the face, the hunt through the woods, was a plan to get me to have fun???"
Hitomi nodded proudly. "And a damn good one, if I do say so myself."
Dilandau stared at her, then collapsed laughing. "Alright. You win. I had fun. I barely believe it, but I had fun!" He would have gone on, but he realised where he was resting his head. Then it hit him.
He was pressed body to body, alone in the forest, with a gorgeous woman. 'Stop saying that!' He yelled at himself, then he looked into her eyes.
Such pretty green eyes. You could get lost in eyes like that. Those eyes were looking at him in confusion now.
Hitomi was also aware of their proximity. His eyes stared into hers. Red eyes. Like fire. You could get lost in eyes like that.
Strange emotions flashed through the two. Neither recognised them. Dilandau was the first to act upon them.
Slowly, almost timidly, he leaned his face closer. He wanted this. But at the same time, he prayed that she would move her head. She didn't.
Dilandau kissed Hitomi, fear in his heart. What was he doing?! She would reject him without a second thought. But she didn't. She placed a hand around his neck, drawing him in closer, kissing him back.
For a moment, fleeting in time but eternal to the participants, Dilandau Albatou and Hitomi Kanzaki were joined in a passionate embrace. Neither wanted to let go. Each longed to keep this moment forever.
Dilandau felt a giddy thrill as he fully realised what he was doing. He was kissing Hitomi! HE WAS KISSING HITOMI! TAKE THAT MIND VOICE!
It was too bad that the dragon chose that moment to kill them.
*** A/N: I am so evil, sending a dragon to interrupt their tender moment. ***
The beast was a big one. Over forty feet long from snout tail, it had been watching the two for some time. Amused, it had watched the struggle, and had been there when they kissed. But now it was bored and hungry.
It gave out a growl that separated the two instantly. Standing side by side, they stared nervously into the forest.
"What was that?" Hitomi whispered.
"A dragon." Dilandau whispered back. "It's hunting us. Waiting for the right time to strike. Run. Now! Get back to the camp!"
"What about you?"
"I'll try to hold it off. Leave me!"
Hitomi shook her head, sending snow through the air. "Either we both go, or neither of us go! What's it gonna be?"
Dilandau stared at her in shock. If their situations had been reversed, he'd have been out of there in an instant. But if it was Hitomi there, would he really just leave her? No. He wouldn't have. He smiled. "Then lets get out of here."
The two turned and ran like hell. Dilandau struggled just to keep up with Hitomi. Actually she was refusing to run faster than him. But they both ran faster when the beast screamed in rage and burst from the forest cover, chasing them.
Hitomi glanced back. Sunlight made its grey-brown scales look slimy, and its evil yellow eyes seemed to stare right through her soul.
Suddenly, Dilandau tripped over a tree root. He cried out in pain, and Hitomi stopped beside him. "My ankle!" He moaned, "I think I sprained it! Go without me!" Hitomi looked at Dilandau in panic. What was she going to do? Then she calmed and got that strange smile. Glee glinted in her eyes and she turned to face the beast. Dilandau realised what she was doing. "Are you as crazy as I am?! Run for it!"
Hitomi stood a distance from Dilandau as the dragon came for her. Aloud she said, "Come on you overgrown gecko! Come and get your throat cut!" Then she screamed a battle cry and charged forward, sword extended.
The dragon thrust its head forward, jaws snapping, and Dilandau closed his eyes, fearing to see that beautiful body broken and mauled. But the beast screamed in pain. His eyes shot open, and nearly burst from his head when he saw the deep wound on the side of its neck. Hitomi was dancing from side to side, daring it to try again. It dared.
Its tail slashed down, trying to spear the annoying insect. Hitomi leaped backward then darted in. She plunged her sword into the back of the tail. No scales protected that region, and when she twisted the hilt it cut off the tail.
The monster was insane with rage now. It twisted its head in, knocking Hitomi to the side, then sent her skittering across the ground with a kick. She was lying down now, hissing in pain. The dragon took in a deep breath. The energist in its chest glowed a brilliant pink. Dilandau watched in horror. It was going to use its fire!
The flames bellowed from its mouth, burning everything in its path. When it was done, only a charred spot remained. Dilandau choked back tears.
The mighty dragon roared in triumph. A roar that quickly changed to a gurgle. Dilandau stared again, and almost cried out for joy. Hitomi was alive! She must have dodges the fire, and got close to the beast while it was till exhaling.
Now she stood underneath its head, sword pointed upward buried to the hilt in its throat. She withdrew her blade, and with an upward slash she cut off the beast's head. It fell to the ground, blood pouring everywhere, dousing Hitomi from head to toe in green blood. When it was over and Dilandau could see the blood slowly evaporated, leaving Hitomi with a bright pink jewel. The dragon's energist.
She ran over to Dilandau. "Are you alright", she cried.
Dilandau stared at her in admiration. "You just killed a dragon!" Hitomi blushed. "I always knew you were different. Not many people could have done that." Hitomi blushed even more. "And thank you. For saving my life."
Hitomi blushed even more. "It was nothing. You'd have done the same for me."
Dilandau smiled. "Yes. I would."
***
The Slayers found them three minutes later. They had been attracted to the sounds of battle, and were overjoyed to find their companions alive and well. They were literally carried back to camp.
That night Hitomi had to sit by a campfire and tell the story of the fight with the dragon at least eight times. But she always omitted the part just before the fight. She smiled as she pictured the reactions of the Slayers if she'd told them. Maybe she'd tell them some day. But not now.
For now, the memory was just for her and Dilandau.
A/N: Hitomi and Dilandau have shared their first kiss. What will they do next? How will the plot be moved along? Don't ask me! I'm just the author! Find out next time. On Escaflowne!
A/N: Ten chapters. Where does the time go? I'd like to dedicate this one to those of you who've reviewed. As to your comments: Yes. I have been trying to make Refina into a heartless bitch. Have I succeeded? She obviously does serve a part in the story, so I can't kill her just yet. *Ducks rotten fruit* And I think that I should confirm that this is a D/H fic. There's just no overt evidence of it. And as to the question of how a liquid could change someone's personality: Zaibach sorcerers have made stuff that turns men into women! A little personality change shouldn't be too hard.
Oh yes. I do not own Escaflowne or any of its characters. I would not be saying this, but Shoji Kawamori is standing beside me with a gun pointed to my head.
Hitomi stared in awe at the mighty guymelef that stood in front of her. The massive machine stood over five meters tall, and was black and green like her armour. Sunlight glinted off of the closed cockpit, and right then Hitomi wanted nothing so badly as she wanted that machine.
Footsteps sounded and Dilandau stood at her side. "Oh man." Hitomi gasped. "That is a thing of beauty." Dilandau nodded. "It was built from the same models as the other Alseides. Would you like me to give you some pointers?"
Hitomi nodded eagerly, and Dilandau watched as the excited teen raced to her machine.
She scrabbled around on the outside for about fifteen minutes, Dilandau watching in amusement. He was just about to show her how to open it up, when, with a rumble, it did just that. Dilandau stared as she squealed with glee and climbed inside the pilot's seat. "How did you figure out the lock?"
Hitomi smiled smugly. "I have my ways. I'd tell you, but I prefer to remain a mystery." She gazed at him under half-lidded eyes and licked her lower lip. Dilandau stared. Was she teasing him again? He shook of the feeling. 'Cut it out you! This isn't the fight. She was teasing you then to catch you off guard. Yeah, that's it.'
"Hey, boss! You gonna show me how to work this thing or do I have to start stripping to catch your attention?"
"Would you?" Dilandau slapped his hand over his mouth. He did not just say that! He did not! "Sorry." He mumbled.
Hitomi stared. Was Dilandau apologising, and blushing, and mumbling all at once?
Once he recovered himself, Dilandau was all business. He got in the 'melef and pointed out various functions. "This switch starts the activation sequence. It powers up the systems, and fills the cabin with protective goo. It keeps us from getting too badly hurt." He added, seeing her face. "Put your arm in that socket. Feel the handle? Twist it to activate your flame-thrower. Pull it and your crima spears launch. Pull and twist left and you form a sword. Twist right, and you form a shield. You have to push back to deform it. This is the radar, and communications equipment. If you ever get lost use them to find your way back to the Vione. Over here we have the flight valve. I'm not sure how it works, but it fixes the legs together, and lets the thing fly. This switch activates your stealth cloak. You understand?"
Hitomi nodded and pointed to various switches. "Flame-thrower, crima, sword, shield, cloak, radar, flight and comm system".
"Good. You're a born soldier Kanzaki."
"Oh, I don't think so."
"Why not? You have attitude, you can fight, you understand mechanics, you're gutsy." 'You're beautiful and sexy.' Dilandau mentally slapped himself. 'What the hell is wrong with me?'
Hitomi hesitated. "Maybe." She sighed. "I really don't know why I'm telling you this.but I don't think I could kill a person. I try to see myself doing it and I just can't picture it."
Dilandau stared. Part of him wanted to tease her about it. But the part of him that wanted to help won. 'I really am screwed up. Maybe I should take medication.' He shook off the thought and came up with a way on how to start. "I've known lots of great warriors who hated to kill. One of them once told me that it helps to think of them as a line on your resume, not as people." He hesitantly put an arm around her shoulder, unsure of how she'd act. She just sighed and leaned into him.
"Believe it or not, that makes me feel better." They sat like that in silence for a moment. They quickly broke apart when they heard voices coming.
The approaching Dragonslayers had no idea that their commander had had his arm around one of his soldiers moments before they came in.
What they saw was Hitomi sitting dreamily in her new guymelef, and Dilandau halfway across the hangar, opening up his. "Well boys, today we get some 'melef training. As you can see, Kanzaki has her own now. She'll be included in the practice and she knows how to drive the thing, so don't go soft on her." By now Dilandau and Hitomi had shut their machines and the slayers were getting in theirs. When everyone was ready, Dilandau said, "Lets move out!" and he flew through the open bay doors.
Hitomi twisted the valve and her Alseides' legs locked together. Her guymelef was floating in the air! Another few twists and she shot forward.
It was a giddy feeling flying. She'd flown on Escaflowne before, but this made her feel like she had wings of her own. Up in the sky, she could see down on the lands below. Trees, lakes, and a town all looked like toys from up here! It was like.oh she couldn't explain it.
The comm speaker crackled, snapping Hitomi out of reverie. "Hey Hitomi!"
"Hi Chesta. Having fun?"
"Oh, you know it. I never get tired of the flying. How do you like it?"
"I can't describe it."
"I've been telling these louts that for five years. They still won't believe me."
"Hey", Dalet yelled, "We can hear you, you know."
Chesta snorted. "There's not much point to insulting you when you can't hear. Anyway, there's something special about these insults."
"What?"
"Their targets are all ugly cretins." Hitomi laughed. "I don't know Chesta. Isn't that a compliment?"
"I'll get you both when we land." A chorus of agreement came from the other guys. Then Dilandau had to interrupt.
"Cut the chatter or I'll feed you all to my flame-thrower!"
Silence reigned for the rest of the trip.
***
The flight landed in a mountainous forest. Hitomi was glad her armour was insulated, because there was snow on the ground. And in the air too. She took two steps and was hit in the back of the head with a snowball.
She whirled and saw Dalet running like mad. Hitomi smiled. She caught up in no time, then tackled him into the snow. She laughed as he stumbled to his feet, then was hit by another snowball. This time thrown by Miguel. Ryoun retaliated on her behalf, whomping him from the side.
Soon there was an all out snow war declared. It was every man for himself. Snowballs filled the air, and laughter rolled through the trees.
Dilandau returned to camp, from a pee break, to the sight of his entire command laughing hysterically as they threw balls of snow at each other. He scowled. Soldiers should not be having fun on a training exercise! Gatti and Viole had just thrown Chesta in a snowdrift, for God's sake!
He walked forward, pushing men aside, screaming for order. Apparently someone didn't like order because he was hit in the face with a snowball.
Seething, he turned and saw the culprit. Hitomi! She was leaning against a tree, that smile of challenge on her lips, and tossing another snowball up and down in one hand. Then she hurled it and Dilandau had to duck.
Growling, he stooped and picked up some snow. When he was ready to throw, Hitomi was already gone. He looked round and saw her, hiding behind Guimel's 'melef. Smiling, the general crept forward. This was going to be sweet! She was going to get a taste of her own medicine! He was almost there now. He turned the corner, ready to throw and got snow in the mouth. She knew he was coming!
Spitting out snow, he chased her into the forest.
It was a few minutes before their absence was noticed. When one unknown slayer suddenly asked, "Where's Lord Dilandau?" the fighting stopped. Guimel pulled Chesta out of the drift, and brushed him off. Dalet tried to unplug the snow from his ears, and Ryoun's glasses were so fogged that he could barely see.
"Did you guys see where he went?" He asked, cleaning his spectacles. Viole shrugged.
"I think he went after Hitomi. I didn't see where they went."
Guimel looked thoughtful. "Did he smack any of you guys?"
"No. Why?"
"Well I don't know about you, but I was expecting to get knocked into next week." Guimel looked even more thoughtful. "Does Lord Dilandau seem different to you?"
The group thought for a moment. Then Chesta nodded. "He's been a lot less violent to us lately. In fact, I don't remember him being so nice since he got drunk and gave us two weeks off at Cesario."
"Wait a minute." Gatti cut off the reminiscence. "Are you saying that Dilandau's been changed on us?"
"No. Just that he's different. And it seems to happen around Hitomi."
Ryoun straightened, stretching the kinks out of his back. "Well maybe he likes her." He laughed at the idea. He stopped when no one else did. "Come on guys. This is DILANDAU we're talking about!"
"So? He's still human."
"Some people would argue that."
Chesta interrupted the argument. "Let's fight later, okay? For now we need to find them." They agreed, and the slayers split up into search parties.
***
Dilandau waited. He had climbed this tree to set his trap. His eyes were on Hitomi, as she walked below. She knew he was around somewhere, but she didn't know where. He grinned. Now! He shook the tree branch and lots of snow collapsed on Hitomi. She gave a quick scream of fright, and Dilandau laughed and jumped down onto her.
Laughter shook the forest as the two wrestled for a few minutes. Hitomi put up a good fight, but Dilandau's strength and training gave him an edge. He pinned her arms down with his own, and his legs entwined with hers to keep them still. His grinning face was all of four inches from her laughing one.
"And so the hunter has become the hunted." Dilandau laughed too.
"See? I knew you could have fun if you tried."
Dilandau frowned. "You mean that this whole thing, the snowball to the face, the hunt through the woods, was a plan to get me to have fun???"
Hitomi nodded proudly. "And a damn good one, if I do say so myself."
Dilandau stared at her, then collapsed laughing. "Alright. You win. I had fun. I barely believe it, but I had fun!" He would have gone on, but he realised where he was resting his head. Then it hit him.
He was pressed body to body, alone in the forest, with a gorgeous woman. 'Stop saying that!' He yelled at himself, then he looked into her eyes.
Such pretty green eyes. You could get lost in eyes like that. Those eyes were looking at him in confusion now.
Hitomi was also aware of their proximity. His eyes stared into hers. Red eyes. Like fire. You could get lost in eyes like that.
Strange emotions flashed through the two. Neither recognised them. Dilandau was the first to act upon them.
Slowly, almost timidly, he leaned his face closer. He wanted this. But at the same time, he prayed that she would move her head. She didn't.
Dilandau kissed Hitomi, fear in his heart. What was he doing?! She would reject him without a second thought. But she didn't. She placed a hand around his neck, drawing him in closer, kissing him back.
For a moment, fleeting in time but eternal to the participants, Dilandau Albatou and Hitomi Kanzaki were joined in a passionate embrace. Neither wanted to let go. Each longed to keep this moment forever.
Dilandau felt a giddy thrill as he fully realised what he was doing. He was kissing Hitomi! HE WAS KISSING HITOMI! TAKE THAT MIND VOICE!
It was too bad that the dragon chose that moment to kill them.
*** A/N: I am so evil, sending a dragon to interrupt their tender moment. ***
The beast was a big one. Over forty feet long from snout tail, it had been watching the two for some time. Amused, it had watched the struggle, and had been there when they kissed. But now it was bored and hungry.
It gave out a growl that separated the two instantly. Standing side by side, they stared nervously into the forest.
"What was that?" Hitomi whispered.
"A dragon." Dilandau whispered back. "It's hunting us. Waiting for the right time to strike. Run. Now! Get back to the camp!"
"What about you?"
"I'll try to hold it off. Leave me!"
Hitomi shook her head, sending snow through the air. "Either we both go, or neither of us go! What's it gonna be?"
Dilandau stared at her in shock. If their situations had been reversed, he'd have been out of there in an instant. But if it was Hitomi there, would he really just leave her? No. He wouldn't have. He smiled. "Then lets get out of here."
The two turned and ran like hell. Dilandau struggled just to keep up with Hitomi. Actually she was refusing to run faster than him. But they both ran faster when the beast screamed in rage and burst from the forest cover, chasing them.
Hitomi glanced back. Sunlight made its grey-brown scales look slimy, and its evil yellow eyes seemed to stare right through her soul.
Suddenly, Dilandau tripped over a tree root. He cried out in pain, and Hitomi stopped beside him. "My ankle!" He moaned, "I think I sprained it! Go without me!" Hitomi looked at Dilandau in panic. What was she going to do? Then she calmed and got that strange smile. Glee glinted in her eyes and she turned to face the beast. Dilandau realised what she was doing. "Are you as crazy as I am?! Run for it!"
Hitomi stood a distance from Dilandau as the dragon came for her. Aloud she said, "Come on you overgrown gecko! Come and get your throat cut!" Then she screamed a battle cry and charged forward, sword extended.
The dragon thrust its head forward, jaws snapping, and Dilandau closed his eyes, fearing to see that beautiful body broken and mauled. But the beast screamed in pain. His eyes shot open, and nearly burst from his head when he saw the deep wound on the side of its neck. Hitomi was dancing from side to side, daring it to try again. It dared.
Its tail slashed down, trying to spear the annoying insect. Hitomi leaped backward then darted in. She plunged her sword into the back of the tail. No scales protected that region, and when she twisted the hilt it cut off the tail.
The monster was insane with rage now. It twisted its head in, knocking Hitomi to the side, then sent her skittering across the ground with a kick. She was lying down now, hissing in pain. The dragon took in a deep breath. The energist in its chest glowed a brilliant pink. Dilandau watched in horror. It was going to use its fire!
The flames bellowed from its mouth, burning everything in its path. When it was done, only a charred spot remained. Dilandau choked back tears.
The mighty dragon roared in triumph. A roar that quickly changed to a gurgle. Dilandau stared again, and almost cried out for joy. Hitomi was alive! She must have dodges the fire, and got close to the beast while it was till exhaling.
Now she stood underneath its head, sword pointed upward buried to the hilt in its throat. She withdrew her blade, and with an upward slash she cut off the beast's head. It fell to the ground, blood pouring everywhere, dousing Hitomi from head to toe in green blood. When it was over and Dilandau could see the blood slowly evaporated, leaving Hitomi with a bright pink jewel. The dragon's energist.
She ran over to Dilandau. "Are you alright", she cried.
Dilandau stared at her in admiration. "You just killed a dragon!" Hitomi blushed. "I always knew you were different. Not many people could have done that." Hitomi blushed even more. "And thank you. For saving my life."
Hitomi blushed even more. "It was nothing. You'd have done the same for me."
Dilandau smiled. "Yes. I would."
***
The Slayers found them three minutes later. They had been attracted to the sounds of battle, and were overjoyed to find their companions alive and well. They were literally carried back to camp.
That night Hitomi had to sit by a campfire and tell the story of the fight with the dragon at least eight times. But she always omitted the part just before the fight. She smiled as she pictured the reactions of the Slayers if she'd told them. Maybe she'd tell them some day. But not now.
For now, the memory was just for her and Dilandau.
A/N: Hitomi and Dilandau have shared their first kiss. What will they do next? How will the plot be moved along? Don't ask me! I'm just the author! Find out next time. On Escaflowne!