Finale
He had it, finally he had his plan. Now no one, not Allen, not EscaFlowne, not even Van could stand in the way. The albino suddenly began to laugh, an insane laughter that rang through the vone like never before.
"Try and stop me now VAN!"
********
A cold shudder ran through, straight up and down Hitomi's spine. Her teeth chattered with the feeling that only Dilandau himself could cause, her continuous shivering had well awoken the sleeping King next to her.
**~**~**
Van could feel something gently shaking besides him, he subconsciously thought what it could be; only Hitomi and himself where in the room..
Van bolted straight up only to stare in the wide eyed Hitomi as she shivered in fear for what crazed laughter had been spinning in her head.
"..Hitomi?" He called, gently placing his hand on her shoulder.
The sudden touch made her jump and sigh in complete relief that it was only Van at her side. She gave him her best smile, which in fact couldn't fool anyone.
"Hitomi what's wrong?" Van asked again, this time his words heavily laced with concern.
"D- Dilandau.. I can hear him.." She murmured.
Chocolate eyes hardened as he took hold of her, wrapping his strong arms around her fragile body. He didn't think that she would embrace him back as her arms encircled around his waste.
"I'll never let him get you, ever again."
**~**~**
It had been a while since the last time he saw Allen, the blond knight smiled warmly at the young King. Allen knew he could never win Hitomi's heart now and so now he befriended the King as they awaited outside her room.
Slowly the door opened as Millerna stepped out, she looked happy but her in her eyes she couldn't hide the tiredness that begged her to give into sleep.
"She'll be fine," Millerna paused as she then directed her words towards Van. "Give her some time to breathe."
**~**~**
In the days that followed Hitomi slowly began to recover, her mind however was a completely different thing. Some days she refused getting out of bed, fearing Dilandau would appear and steal her away again. Van really began to worry when she would tell him she could hear him- his thoughts in her head, see his fights, wake up mornings seeing blood everywhere.
Thankfully Van stayed by her side; helping her, getting or doing any and everything for her. Days would go by and she'd be the same old happy Hitomi, and to others she'd be so weak and frail she couldn't even get out of bed. On these days Van could have sworn her skin would be paler than usual, or sparkles of red could be found in her eyes.
Being so close and having Van's gentle touch to guide Hitomi back to health made their relationship stronger. During one of Hitomi's better days, the two could be found strolling timidly hand in hand. Unfortunately one afternoon in the garden Van realized Hitomi's complexion looked almost ill.
Insisting that she should have a check up Van took Hitomi to see Millerna.
In doing so the young doctor became very worried, at first glance Hitomi looked fine. However with further observation she looked like she had been physically abused. Truth of the matter was Hitomi should have recovered from any and all wounds left by Dilandau, but these were almost abnormal.
She had cuts and bruises all up and down her back and legs. Small abrasions covered her right arm from her elbow to her shoulder. The wilting of her hair and the discoloration of her eyes were easier to explain than the strange condition her body was in. However Millerna thought it would be better to discuss this alone with Van,
"Nothing to serious to be concerned with." Millerna lied waving her right hand. "The wilting of your hair is probably a sign of shock or distress caused from you time on the vone. As for the red in her eyes, I'm not to sure how to explain that but she can recover from the pale skin. In other words she's fine."
"Told you." Hitomi sighed with a weak smile.
"Can't I show concern for those I care for?" Van questioned.
Giggling Millerna shooed Hitomi off keeping Van to ask him privately about Hitomi's physical condition.
"Van, Hitomi hasn't been doing anything strenuous has she?" Millerna asked her voice tinted with worry.
"No, why? What's wrong?"
"Well I wasn't sure if I wanted to mention this in front of Hitomi, but there seems to be cuts and bruises all over her back and legs. Including her right arm, are you sure she hasn't fallen or anything?"
"I'm positive, I'm around her all the time. If she'd fell I would have known."
"Well given that I don't even know what to make of it, or importantly how they got there," Millerna sighed, "Van, I want you to just keep an extra eye on her and if anything happens let me know."
Van nodded and left to catch up with Hitomi.
********
He had been fiercely training himself, mind, body and soul. A full week straight, never stopping, never slowing his pace; preparing himself and making sure he was unbeatable.
Mastering the sword was easy, killing your enemy and taking back the girl was another.
**~**~**
All the slayers stuck to their basic training and gradually one by one Dilandau beat each of them. After testing himself against twelve to one and winning, he knew that he could defeat his greatest opponent.
Now his master plan was complete, all he had to do now was wait. Wait for the perfect moment, weakness, day, night, hour- and attack!
**~**~**
"Chesta," Miguel called. "is he serious about this?"
"I don't know." He shrugged sheepishly.
"You should, you spend enough time around him to know." The brunet sneered.
Frowning, Chesta turned to reply but was immediately silenced- as well as the rest of them- by the insane laughter their master cackled.
**~**~**
He had done it! At last he could kill the bastard who cut off his arm. Now he could have his revenge on Van, the smug little King that had broken into his chamber, sliced his arm off and stole his property.
He could now end it all, end all the visions that clouded his head, thoughts and dreams. Instead of happy visions of his enemy in the arms of his woman, Dilandau could charge in there and take Van down; slicing off all his appendages off and take Hitomi back.
Yes, he will take her back and make her his…
********
He didn't know how it happened, one minute he was walking down the main hall and next the whole front half of Palas was crawling with Dragonslayers. Guards right and left getting killed.
Allen's mind darted to one name, Hitomi.
**~**~**
Dilandau had finally attacked Palas, he let his men fan out killing whom ever they pleased. He himself was only looking for Hitomi and of course Van.
Confidently he strolled down a silent hallway, each couple of feet there was another door. One by one he opened doors in search for his green eyed goddess.
About the fifth door down he had found her, she was going through something on the bed. As he entered and closed the door behind him she moved next to a full length mirror.
She was even more beautiful than the last time he'd seen her.
**~**~**
Hitomi smiled to herself hearing the door open and a set of boots walk in. Gently running her fingers through her hair she turned finding a pair of crimson eyes staring at her.
Hitomi's smile immediately faded as she backed herself into the mirror.
"D-Dilandau." She gasped.
"Miss me?" He asked chuckling as he began to confront her.
Hitomi swallowed hard, a scream bubbled up from her throat. Watching as each step he took towards her Hitomi began to remember fragments of memories she tried burying away. Pictures of Dilandau touching her, grabbing her, …rapping her. All of it crashing down around her.
Hitomi let out a little sob as she no longer could control her emotions.
Oddly enough Dilandau gently scooped Hitomi into his arms. With his metal claw he began to caress her face and close the gap between them.
Her whole body shivered from his touch, he now stared into her green-red speckled eyes and kissed her. Hitomi's mind screamed as her body shut down and she was again lost; lost in the deepest, darkest reaches of her mind.
**~**~**
As Dilandau continued to kiss the non-responding Hitomi; suddenly the door broke open as Allen ran in. His eyes narrowed while he began to unsheathe his sword, grinning Dilandau broke the kiss.
"What's the matter Allen? Looks different from your point of view doesn't it?" Dilandau chuckled as he licks the side of Hitomi's face, "She's so delicious, don't you agree?"
Growling Allen had seen and heard enough, Dilandau then released Hitomi whom crumbled to the floor. The two charge in unison, however they don't fight for long. Just as Allen corners Dilandau he abruptly feels sharp shots of pain through his stomach.
Little by little he gazes down to find a sword through his stomach, weakened he falls against the wall as the blade is viscously pulled out. Allen's vision blurs as he glances up to find six of Dilandau's Dragonslayers are standing around them.
Chesta picks Hitomi up off the floor and begins to leave as do the others.
"C-Coward." Allen chokes out.
Dilandau stops in mid step and turns back. He stands over Allen with a sympathetic grin.
"Sorry Allen, but your only an appetizer. Van's my main course!" With that he plunged his sword through Allen's heart and twisted the blade one quarter to the left.
Allen screams in pain as Dilandau pulls out his sword leaving him to bleed to death.
Else where Van continues his fight with one of Dilandau's Dragonslayers and finally kills him. The solder falls limply to the ground murmuring his apologies to his master when Van's remembers he was on his way to see Hitomi.
His mind snaps. Hitomi!
Van dashed off to her room only to find Allen in a bleeding mess on the floor, Van kneels down next to his friend. Gently he pulls the dying knight into his arms, Allen's eyes flicker open momentarily. His lips move yet no sound emits from them, they pull up into a weak smile as his eyes dim and his body goes limp.
Van sat silently as he held his friend in his arms, he lowers his head and gently places his hand over the knights eyes closing them forever. Gradually he places Allen's lifeless body onto the floor and rises. Turning away with his head lowered he tightens his fist while stalking off to diminish his enemy.
**~**~**
Palas in ruins, innocent people dying without cause, Millerna, Merle, Allen, Dryden.. All Gone! Everyone and everything he has ever came to know or love had been taken and destroyed by one man.
Van stalked through the halls of Palas, killing any and all enemies he came in contact with. Taking their lives with only one slash of his blade; rotating, Van directed his attention to the throne, finding Dilandau lounging with Hitomi in his lap. Even from his distance he could see Hitomi, her eyes dead, just like the first time he saw her.
Again he turns and continues down the red carpet towards Dilandau, the albino smirks as his Dragonslayers run out to stop him. Keeping his eyes on Dilandau Van easily disposes of them all; maintaining his eye contact until he stops at the bottom of the steps.
Dilandau caresses Hitomi's cheek with his metal claw, she barely flinches.
"Time to wake up honey," Dilandau coos into Hitomi's ear. "I want your full attention when I kill Van."
Suddenly as if she was in a trance and the mere mention of Van's name her eyes slowly came into focus. Van glances to Hitomi and raises his hand out to her, mumbling her name with little emotion.
Hitomi turns her head towards Van's blurry form as her eyes finally come into complete focus. Her eyes widen as she smiles brightly putting out her arms and crying out his name.
"Van!"
She moves to get up and go to him but finds she can't. Looking down she comes to notice an arm protectively wrapped around her waist, her eyes dart to Van's. Her mind screams at her and her heart pounds franticly; slowly her head rotates to the right as she finds herself staring into two crimson eyes. A scream erupts in the back of her throat and yet she only makes a little "eep" noise.
"Dilandau let Hitomi go, your fight is with me. She has nothing to do with it." Van's words cause Dilandau to chuckle as he draws his full attention to Van.
"Oh but she has everything to do with it." He then snaps his fingers as two more Dragonslayers come out from behind the throne.
They grab Hitomi and hold her steady. Dilandau then proceeds to saunter down the steps, unsheathing his sword along the way. He stops at the bottom, Van now standing a mere five feet away.
"Well come on then!" He screams.
Momentarily Van looked unsteady, for his own sword shook in his grasp. Without warning, Dilandau charged. His blade flew through the air slicing the very atmosphere and colliding in an immense clamor with Van's sword. Dilandau seemed to tower over Van, applying his entire weight against the sword. Van's eyes narrowed and focused; he applied his own pressure and resisted the enormous power set against him. The King coiled his muscle up, letting the albino gradually push him into himself and towards the ground.
With a sudden cry, Van released. He whipped his sword out from under Dilandau's, bringing it back down with a clash. Dilandau's eyes widened as his own blade began to move towards himself, Dilandau pressed with all his strength, savoring the sense of dominance he gained from watching Van struggle beneath him.
Feeling his hair stand on end, Van leaped back. Swords scraped together creating a squeal of nails on chalkboard, both fighters slowly gaining their stance and breaking apart.
Both warriors gasped for air, panting and breathing deeply. Dilandau chuckled as he lunged forward attacking Van and catching him off guard, Dilandau's blade collided with Van's back as the young King tried to escape the careless attack.
Van gave out a sharp cry as his crimson blood began to soak through his shirt, Dilandau chuckled again enjoying the way Van's face twisted in agony.
"What's the matter Van, does it hurt?!"
Laughing psychotically the albino failed to notice the blade striking above him. Gritting his teeth and sliding back Dilandau smirked as Van grazed his right shoulder. Fairly little blood drizzled down Van's blade as he sliced the tip of his sword into Dilandau's metal arm.
Dilandau let out a snarl as the blade nicked his skin, slitting the black generals jacket as well as the white fabric of his under shirt. Eyeing his wound his teeth began grinding together, Van set an arrogant smirk only further infuriating Dilandau as they again attacked each other. Metal clashed against metal; swing for swing, blow for blow. Neither once taking notice to the blood gathering under their feet as they continued their onslaught.
Van inhaled sharply as he felt his foot slipping. The blood pooling on the marble floor beneath his feet caused him to lose traction. Dilandau instantly caught the stumble and dove in, his sword scrapping Van's exposed side.
Hitomi cried out as Van met with the cold slap of concrete, raggedly breathing Dilandau staggered towards Van. The King barely rolled out of danger as the crazed albino rammed his sword into that very spot.
Van jumped to his feet as the two stared one another down. Labored breaths escaping both lips, Van's vision blurred briefly as he staggered back and forth to keep his balance.
Dilandau grinned once again taking the opportunity in attacking Van, just as he surged forward Hitomi cried out breaking free from her captors and running into the heat of battle.
**~**~**
With little sanity left, Hitomi grabbed a hold of Dilandau's free arm begging and pleading him to stop. Dilandau barks orders to his Dragonslayers who grab her again trying desperately to retain her. Somehow over powering them Hitomi dives at Dilandau forcing him to finally withdrawal from his fight.
Grabbing her arm he pulls her off to the side, Van however takes this chance to his advantage and charges forward. His eyes dart to Hitomi, who's appearance matched that of Dilandau's. Unfortunately in that moment Van used Hitomi's distraction and plunged forward stabbing Dilandau's side.
Dilandau and Hitomi cried in-unison, even as Dilandau deepened Van's sword into himself, he twisted around stabbing Van as well.
**~**~**
It all happened so fast to him, he stabbed Dilandau and yet Hitomi suffered too. He watched as in slow motion her clothes shredding below her right lung. Panic replaced by pure pain shrouded her features as she slumped forward, her body no longer able to hold her weight.
He watched her fall and yet in his own minds' eye he envisioned Dilandau diving over Hitomi and striking him. Though as Dilandau's figure blurs Van realizes he had been wounded.
Dilandau laughs hysterically before he collapses to his knee's, even as his blood pores from his stomach Dilandau managed to stagger and stand over Van.
"I've tasted my revenge Van, and it's sweet." Dilandau grins but it slowly fades as blood begins to trickle its way down his lips.
As if in a trance Dilandau covers his mouth, he coughs choking up blood that falls from his mouth like a waterfall. His body slumps down onto on knee as the whole sight makes Van smirk,
"Dilandau.." Van croaks. "You may have had your revenge, but I've also gotten mine. You won't survive from that wound for long."
But in response those crimson eyes glance up at him, a laugh erupts from his bloody mouth as he sits.
"Heh, can't you see. If I go she comes with me."
**~**~**
"W-What?"
Van couldn't believe what he was saying.
"Your lying." He growled out.
"Ha!" Dilandau scoffed. "Can't you see it yet? Just look at her, she will die with me. So come on Van. Kill me! See what happens when you kill me off and watch as your precious little Hitomi dies as well!"
Dilandau laughed a couple more times before the blood loss kicked in and he fell back against the floor.
'He's right' Van thought to himself as he stared at Hitomi. 'She may not be bleeding as much as Dilandau, but all the wounds are the same…'
"If-if I let you live, …you can never come near her again."
Dilandau seemed to be quietly pondering the possibilities of what Van had told him. Suddenly he began to chuckle, but the chuckling turned into insane like laughter.
"Is that it Van?" He hissed struggling to get back up, "Do you really think sparing my life will save hers?" His face turned serious as he pulled a dagger from inside his jacket. "I'd rather kill us both, than live without her." He murmured quietly.
Saying that Dilandau stumbled over to Hitomi, all the while Van sat watching as if it were all a dream. Dilandau slumped down once more next to her,
"So beautiful." He gently ran a metal finger down her cheek and turned his crimson eyes to Van. "Say good-bye Van."
Dilandau then shoved the dagger into Hitomi's chest, her eyes widened as she gave a silent gasp.
"NOOO!" Van cried jumping to his feet.
Dilandau gave one last grin as blood began to drip down his lips. His eyes dulled and his body slumped over Hitomi's as both their bodies pooled in blood.
Van stood staring at the display before him, he slowly made his way over towards their bodies. Kneeling down, he pushed Dilandau off Hitomi. Crystal tears began to slip down his tanned cheeks as he continued to stare down at his green eyed beauty.
"Hitomi.." He whispered gently brushing some strands out of her eyes.
As Van caressed Hitomi's dead figure he failed to realize the dagger was missing. He also failed to notice Dilandau raising the same dagger over his head and stabbing him in the back and straight through his heart.
End
(AN: Ta-da There you have it, the ending of a life time. I hope you've enjoyed my story as much as I enjoyed writing it at 3 in the morning. I'm sorry for all those who um V/H fans, & H/D fans and Allen fans; anyway thanks for reading this and for those who don't like my ending needn't worry. I've taken the liberty of writing two extra endings which I will be putting up shortly. Thank You again for waiting and reading! ~andy ^-^)
He had it, finally he had his plan. Now no one, not Allen, not EscaFlowne, not even Van could stand in the way. The albino suddenly began to laugh, an insane laughter that rang through the vone like never before.
"Try and stop me now VAN!"
********
A cold shudder ran through, straight up and down Hitomi's spine. Her teeth chattered with the feeling that only Dilandau himself could cause, her continuous shivering had well awoken the sleeping King next to her.
**~**~**
Van could feel something gently shaking besides him, he subconsciously thought what it could be; only Hitomi and himself where in the room..
Van bolted straight up only to stare in the wide eyed Hitomi as she shivered in fear for what crazed laughter had been spinning in her head.
"..Hitomi?" He called, gently placing his hand on her shoulder.
The sudden touch made her jump and sigh in complete relief that it was only Van at her side. She gave him her best smile, which in fact couldn't fool anyone.
"Hitomi what's wrong?" Van asked again, this time his words heavily laced with concern.
"D- Dilandau.. I can hear him.." She murmured.
Chocolate eyes hardened as he took hold of her, wrapping his strong arms around her fragile body. He didn't think that she would embrace him back as her arms encircled around his waste.
"I'll never let him get you, ever again."
**~**~**
It had been a while since the last time he saw Allen, the blond knight smiled warmly at the young King. Allen knew he could never win Hitomi's heart now and so now he befriended the King as they awaited outside her room.
Slowly the door opened as Millerna stepped out, she looked happy but her in her eyes she couldn't hide the tiredness that begged her to give into sleep.
"She'll be fine," Millerna paused as she then directed her words towards Van. "Give her some time to breathe."
**~**~**
In the days that followed Hitomi slowly began to recover, her mind however was a completely different thing. Some days she refused getting out of bed, fearing Dilandau would appear and steal her away again. Van really began to worry when she would tell him she could hear him- his thoughts in her head, see his fights, wake up mornings seeing blood everywhere.
Thankfully Van stayed by her side; helping her, getting or doing any and everything for her. Days would go by and she'd be the same old happy Hitomi, and to others she'd be so weak and frail she couldn't even get out of bed. On these days Van could have sworn her skin would be paler than usual, or sparkles of red could be found in her eyes.
Being so close and having Van's gentle touch to guide Hitomi back to health made their relationship stronger. During one of Hitomi's better days, the two could be found strolling timidly hand in hand. Unfortunately one afternoon in the garden Van realized Hitomi's complexion looked almost ill.
Insisting that she should have a check up Van took Hitomi to see Millerna.
In doing so the young doctor became very worried, at first glance Hitomi looked fine. However with further observation she looked like she had been physically abused. Truth of the matter was Hitomi should have recovered from any and all wounds left by Dilandau, but these were almost abnormal.
She had cuts and bruises all up and down her back and legs. Small abrasions covered her right arm from her elbow to her shoulder. The wilting of her hair and the discoloration of her eyes were easier to explain than the strange condition her body was in. However Millerna thought it would be better to discuss this alone with Van,
"Nothing to serious to be concerned with." Millerna lied waving her right hand. "The wilting of your hair is probably a sign of shock or distress caused from you time on the vone. As for the red in her eyes, I'm not to sure how to explain that but she can recover from the pale skin. In other words she's fine."
"Told you." Hitomi sighed with a weak smile.
"Can't I show concern for those I care for?" Van questioned.
Giggling Millerna shooed Hitomi off keeping Van to ask him privately about Hitomi's physical condition.
"Van, Hitomi hasn't been doing anything strenuous has she?" Millerna asked her voice tinted with worry.
"No, why? What's wrong?"
"Well I wasn't sure if I wanted to mention this in front of Hitomi, but there seems to be cuts and bruises all over her back and legs. Including her right arm, are you sure she hasn't fallen or anything?"
"I'm positive, I'm around her all the time. If she'd fell I would have known."
"Well given that I don't even know what to make of it, or importantly how they got there," Millerna sighed, "Van, I want you to just keep an extra eye on her and if anything happens let me know."
Van nodded and left to catch up with Hitomi.
********
He had been fiercely training himself, mind, body and soul. A full week straight, never stopping, never slowing his pace; preparing himself and making sure he was unbeatable.
Mastering the sword was easy, killing your enemy and taking back the girl was another.
**~**~**
All the slayers stuck to their basic training and gradually one by one Dilandau beat each of them. After testing himself against twelve to one and winning, he knew that he could defeat his greatest opponent.
Now his master plan was complete, all he had to do now was wait. Wait for the perfect moment, weakness, day, night, hour- and attack!
**~**~**
"Chesta," Miguel called. "is he serious about this?"
"I don't know." He shrugged sheepishly.
"You should, you spend enough time around him to know." The brunet sneered.
Frowning, Chesta turned to reply but was immediately silenced- as well as the rest of them- by the insane laughter their master cackled.
**~**~**
He had done it! At last he could kill the bastard who cut off his arm. Now he could have his revenge on Van, the smug little King that had broken into his chamber, sliced his arm off and stole his property.
He could now end it all, end all the visions that clouded his head, thoughts and dreams. Instead of happy visions of his enemy in the arms of his woman, Dilandau could charge in there and take Van down; slicing off all his appendages off and take Hitomi back.
Yes, he will take her back and make her his…
********
He didn't know how it happened, one minute he was walking down the main hall and next the whole front half of Palas was crawling with Dragonslayers. Guards right and left getting killed.
Allen's mind darted to one name, Hitomi.
**~**~**
Dilandau had finally attacked Palas, he let his men fan out killing whom ever they pleased. He himself was only looking for Hitomi and of course Van.
Confidently he strolled down a silent hallway, each couple of feet there was another door. One by one he opened doors in search for his green eyed goddess.
About the fifth door down he had found her, she was going through something on the bed. As he entered and closed the door behind him she moved next to a full length mirror.
She was even more beautiful than the last time he'd seen her.
**~**~**
Hitomi smiled to herself hearing the door open and a set of boots walk in. Gently running her fingers through her hair she turned finding a pair of crimson eyes staring at her.
Hitomi's smile immediately faded as she backed herself into the mirror.
"D-Dilandau." She gasped.
"Miss me?" He asked chuckling as he began to confront her.
Hitomi swallowed hard, a scream bubbled up from her throat. Watching as each step he took towards her Hitomi began to remember fragments of memories she tried burying away. Pictures of Dilandau touching her, grabbing her, …rapping her. All of it crashing down around her.
Hitomi let out a little sob as she no longer could control her emotions.
Oddly enough Dilandau gently scooped Hitomi into his arms. With his metal claw he began to caress her face and close the gap between them.
Her whole body shivered from his touch, he now stared into her green-red speckled eyes and kissed her. Hitomi's mind screamed as her body shut down and she was again lost; lost in the deepest, darkest reaches of her mind.
**~**~**
As Dilandau continued to kiss the non-responding Hitomi; suddenly the door broke open as Allen ran in. His eyes narrowed while he began to unsheathe his sword, grinning Dilandau broke the kiss.
"What's the matter Allen? Looks different from your point of view doesn't it?" Dilandau chuckled as he licks the side of Hitomi's face, "She's so delicious, don't you agree?"
Growling Allen had seen and heard enough, Dilandau then released Hitomi whom crumbled to the floor. The two charge in unison, however they don't fight for long. Just as Allen corners Dilandau he abruptly feels sharp shots of pain through his stomach.
Little by little he gazes down to find a sword through his stomach, weakened he falls against the wall as the blade is viscously pulled out. Allen's vision blurs as he glances up to find six of Dilandau's Dragonslayers are standing around them.
Chesta picks Hitomi up off the floor and begins to leave as do the others.
"C-Coward." Allen chokes out.
Dilandau stops in mid step and turns back. He stands over Allen with a sympathetic grin.
"Sorry Allen, but your only an appetizer. Van's my main course!" With that he plunged his sword through Allen's heart and twisted the blade one quarter to the left.
Allen screams in pain as Dilandau pulls out his sword leaving him to bleed to death.
Else where Van continues his fight with one of Dilandau's Dragonslayers and finally kills him. The solder falls limply to the ground murmuring his apologies to his master when Van's remembers he was on his way to see Hitomi.
His mind snaps. Hitomi!
Van dashed off to her room only to find Allen in a bleeding mess on the floor, Van kneels down next to his friend. Gently he pulls the dying knight into his arms, Allen's eyes flicker open momentarily. His lips move yet no sound emits from them, they pull up into a weak smile as his eyes dim and his body goes limp.
Van sat silently as he held his friend in his arms, he lowers his head and gently places his hand over the knights eyes closing them forever. Gradually he places Allen's lifeless body onto the floor and rises. Turning away with his head lowered he tightens his fist while stalking off to diminish his enemy.
**~**~**
Palas in ruins, innocent people dying without cause, Millerna, Merle, Allen, Dryden.. All Gone! Everyone and everything he has ever came to know or love had been taken and destroyed by one man.
Van stalked through the halls of Palas, killing any and all enemies he came in contact with. Taking their lives with only one slash of his blade; rotating, Van directed his attention to the throne, finding Dilandau lounging with Hitomi in his lap. Even from his distance he could see Hitomi, her eyes dead, just like the first time he saw her.
Again he turns and continues down the red carpet towards Dilandau, the albino smirks as his Dragonslayers run out to stop him. Keeping his eyes on Dilandau Van easily disposes of them all; maintaining his eye contact until he stops at the bottom of the steps.
Dilandau caresses Hitomi's cheek with his metal claw, she barely flinches.
"Time to wake up honey," Dilandau coos into Hitomi's ear. "I want your full attention when I kill Van."
Suddenly as if she was in a trance and the mere mention of Van's name her eyes slowly came into focus. Van glances to Hitomi and raises his hand out to her, mumbling her name with little emotion.
Hitomi turns her head towards Van's blurry form as her eyes finally come into complete focus. Her eyes widen as she smiles brightly putting out her arms and crying out his name.
"Van!"
She moves to get up and go to him but finds she can't. Looking down she comes to notice an arm protectively wrapped around her waist, her eyes dart to Van's. Her mind screams at her and her heart pounds franticly; slowly her head rotates to the right as she finds herself staring into two crimson eyes. A scream erupts in the back of her throat and yet she only makes a little "eep" noise.
"Dilandau let Hitomi go, your fight is with me. She has nothing to do with it." Van's words cause Dilandau to chuckle as he draws his full attention to Van.
"Oh but she has everything to do with it." He then snaps his fingers as two more Dragonslayers come out from behind the throne.
They grab Hitomi and hold her steady. Dilandau then proceeds to saunter down the steps, unsheathing his sword along the way. He stops at the bottom, Van now standing a mere five feet away.
"Well come on then!" He screams.
Momentarily Van looked unsteady, for his own sword shook in his grasp. Without warning, Dilandau charged. His blade flew through the air slicing the very atmosphere and colliding in an immense clamor with Van's sword. Dilandau seemed to tower over Van, applying his entire weight against the sword. Van's eyes narrowed and focused; he applied his own pressure and resisted the enormous power set against him. The King coiled his muscle up, letting the albino gradually push him into himself and towards the ground.
With a sudden cry, Van released. He whipped his sword out from under Dilandau's, bringing it back down with a clash. Dilandau's eyes widened as his own blade began to move towards himself, Dilandau pressed with all his strength, savoring the sense of dominance he gained from watching Van struggle beneath him.
Feeling his hair stand on end, Van leaped back. Swords scraped together creating a squeal of nails on chalkboard, both fighters slowly gaining their stance and breaking apart.
Both warriors gasped for air, panting and breathing deeply. Dilandau chuckled as he lunged forward attacking Van and catching him off guard, Dilandau's blade collided with Van's back as the young King tried to escape the careless attack.
Van gave out a sharp cry as his crimson blood began to soak through his shirt, Dilandau chuckled again enjoying the way Van's face twisted in agony.
"What's the matter Van, does it hurt?!"
Laughing psychotically the albino failed to notice the blade striking above him. Gritting his teeth and sliding back Dilandau smirked as Van grazed his right shoulder. Fairly little blood drizzled down Van's blade as he sliced the tip of his sword into Dilandau's metal arm.
Dilandau let out a snarl as the blade nicked his skin, slitting the black generals jacket as well as the white fabric of his under shirt. Eyeing his wound his teeth began grinding together, Van set an arrogant smirk only further infuriating Dilandau as they again attacked each other. Metal clashed against metal; swing for swing, blow for blow. Neither once taking notice to the blood gathering under their feet as they continued their onslaught.
Van inhaled sharply as he felt his foot slipping. The blood pooling on the marble floor beneath his feet caused him to lose traction. Dilandau instantly caught the stumble and dove in, his sword scrapping Van's exposed side.
Hitomi cried out as Van met with the cold slap of concrete, raggedly breathing Dilandau staggered towards Van. The King barely rolled out of danger as the crazed albino rammed his sword into that very spot.
Van jumped to his feet as the two stared one another down. Labored breaths escaping both lips, Van's vision blurred briefly as he staggered back and forth to keep his balance.
Dilandau grinned once again taking the opportunity in attacking Van, just as he surged forward Hitomi cried out breaking free from her captors and running into the heat of battle.
**~**~**
With little sanity left, Hitomi grabbed a hold of Dilandau's free arm begging and pleading him to stop. Dilandau barks orders to his Dragonslayers who grab her again trying desperately to retain her. Somehow over powering them Hitomi dives at Dilandau forcing him to finally withdrawal from his fight.
Grabbing her arm he pulls her off to the side, Van however takes this chance to his advantage and charges forward. His eyes dart to Hitomi, who's appearance matched that of Dilandau's. Unfortunately in that moment Van used Hitomi's distraction and plunged forward stabbing Dilandau's side.
Dilandau and Hitomi cried in-unison, even as Dilandau deepened Van's sword into himself, he twisted around stabbing Van as well.
**~**~**
It all happened so fast to him, he stabbed Dilandau and yet Hitomi suffered too. He watched as in slow motion her clothes shredding below her right lung. Panic replaced by pure pain shrouded her features as she slumped forward, her body no longer able to hold her weight.
He watched her fall and yet in his own minds' eye he envisioned Dilandau diving over Hitomi and striking him. Though as Dilandau's figure blurs Van realizes he had been wounded.
Dilandau laughs hysterically before he collapses to his knee's, even as his blood pores from his stomach Dilandau managed to stagger and stand over Van.
"I've tasted my revenge Van, and it's sweet." Dilandau grins but it slowly fades as blood begins to trickle its way down his lips.
As if in a trance Dilandau covers his mouth, he coughs choking up blood that falls from his mouth like a waterfall. His body slumps down onto on knee as the whole sight makes Van smirk,
"Dilandau.." Van croaks. "You may have had your revenge, but I've also gotten mine. You won't survive from that wound for long."
But in response those crimson eyes glance up at him, a laugh erupts from his bloody mouth as he sits.
"Heh, can't you see. If I go she comes with me."
**~**~**
"W-What?"
Van couldn't believe what he was saying.
"Your lying." He growled out.
"Ha!" Dilandau scoffed. "Can't you see it yet? Just look at her, she will die with me. So come on Van. Kill me! See what happens when you kill me off and watch as your precious little Hitomi dies as well!"
Dilandau laughed a couple more times before the blood loss kicked in and he fell back against the floor.
'He's right' Van thought to himself as he stared at Hitomi. 'She may not be bleeding as much as Dilandau, but all the wounds are the same…'
"If-if I let you live, …you can never come near her again."
Dilandau seemed to be quietly pondering the possibilities of what Van had told him. Suddenly he began to chuckle, but the chuckling turned into insane like laughter.
"Is that it Van?" He hissed struggling to get back up, "Do you really think sparing my life will save hers?" His face turned serious as he pulled a dagger from inside his jacket. "I'd rather kill us both, than live without her." He murmured quietly.
Saying that Dilandau stumbled over to Hitomi, all the while Van sat watching as if it were all a dream. Dilandau slumped down once more next to her,
"So beautiful." He gently ran a metal finger down her cheek and turned his crimson eyes to Van. "Say good-bye Van."
Dilandau then shoved the dagger into Hitomi's chest, her eyes widened as she gave a silent gasp.
"NOOO!" Van cried jumping to his feet.
Dilandau gave one last grin as blood began to drip down his lips. His eyes dulled and his body slumped over Hitomi's as both their bodies pooled in blood.
Van stood staring at the display before him, he slowly made his way over towards their bodies. Kneeling down, he pushed Dilandau off Hitomi. Crystal tears began to slip down his tanned cheeks as he continued to stare down at his green eyed beauty.
"Hitomi.." He whispered gently brushing some strands out of her eyes.
As Van caressed Hitomi's dead figure he failed to realize the dagger was missing. He also failed to notice Dilandau raising the same dagger over his head and stabbing him in the back and straight through his heart.
End
(AN: Ta-da There you have it, the ending of a life time. I hope you've enjoyed my story as much as I enjoyed writing it at 3 in the morning. I'm sorry for all those who um V/H fans, & H/D fans and Allen fans; anyway thanks for reading this and for those who don't like my ending needn't worry. I've taken the liberty of writing two extra endings which I will be putting up shortly. Thank You again for waiting and reading! ~andy ^-^)
