Disclaimer: Considering this story, it's a good thing I don't own Escaflowne or its characters.
Forbearance
Part IV
By: Penybright
Van's mind began to work frantically, trying to comprehend what was in store for him. They couldn't be taking him back to the questioner, could they? That fear was confirmed all to soon when they took the right hallway. Van was once again thrown into the room he loathed and dreaded more than anything. He gingerly managed to pull himself into a sitting position, slowly lifting his eyes to gaze at his interrogator.
Van's breath left him and his eyes grew wide in startled surprise.
"Hello, Van, " Allen said coolly, looking disdainfully down at the young man.
"A- Allen?" Van asked shakily.
"It's me, Van," Allen smirked. "I understand that you've been very stubborn. Why won't you tell them?"
"I- I..."
"Because of your defiance they killed my sister. Did you know that?" Allen spat.
"No..." Van whispered in horror.
"They were going to kill me too, but I wanted revenge first."
"Allen, I'm sorry... I didn't---"
"Shut up!" Allen said angrily. "You're the cause of this. Why are you protecting her!?!"
"But, I thought..."
"You were wrong. Because of you my life is over. But first, first I get to make you suffer. I'm going to tell them your little secret, Van Fanel. Then, we'll see how you feel when you've lost those dearest to you!"
"No!" Van cried. "Allen you can't! Kill me yes, but don't give them what they want!"
"I don't want you to die, I want you to suffer," Allen replied in a deadpan voice.
Van recoiled as if slapped. It was all unraveling to quickly... Allen looked down on Van without pity or remorse. Apparently the questioners had done a fine job on his friend. Van wanted to feel angered at Allen, but could only feel pity. Allen was right, it was all his fault.
"I understand," Van murmured. Allen looked at him sharply, and Van watched as the anger in his eyes slipped away to be replaced with sorrow and pain.
"I just want it to end..." Allen choked out. "Van... could you do me one last favor?" Allen asked solemnly. Van nodded. Allen closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He then walked over to Van, kneeling before him. Allen slipped a slender dagger into Van's hand.
"Kill me."
Van stared at Allen in shock.
"Allen," Van began. Allen grabbed Van's wrist, bringing the dagger up to rest at his heart.
"End my pain and keep your promise," Allen responded softly. Van swallowed hard, before closing his eyes and plunging the dagger into Allen's chest.
"I'm sorry," he choked out in a whisper, as Allen crumpled to the floor.
"Thank you..." Allen said weakly, smiling as he breathed his last.
The door immediately swung open, and the questioner stepped in.
"Well done," he said in a mockingly approving tone. The dagger dropped from Van's nerveless fingers, clattering to the floor as he screamed in frustration, anger, and grief...
~ I wonder who's next on the list, and who is Van protecting?