Disclaimer: I do not own anything of The Slayers, Escaflowne, or the Hammerfall song Dreams Come True. I do own Hiero and any original royals, dragon slayers, and extras, etc. This is THE ROMANCE CHAPTER; yes folks, the KISS of true love. But where is it. Read to discover, and please don't kill me for taking so darn long with this chapter and be warned that I am a hopeless romantic. I give credit to my friend Reno and Albert no Miko for aiding me with the romantic scene. Praise to the Empress of Chaos!!
Chapter 7
Blame it on the Mystic Moon
~ Artemis Lands ~
- 6 Days Later -*
Grego stared out into the distance, his eyes narrowed like daggers, his cloak billowing in the wind. The bitch was still alive, ALIVE! How could his plan have failed? Dilandau should have murdered her in the screaming thunderous woods. She was supposed to be dead, dead, dead and then Dilandau would be without that little rat. His plans to destroy the base were cut short all because SHE had to help Dilandau.
'There is so much I cannot do now. I was to bring Dilandau's body on a damn platter for Ai to torture….and humiliate. And those idiotic townsmen run from a woman! Gods, I should kill them myself…but my new plan will work. This is all that whore and Hiero's fault, he brought her here, so he dies last….painfully. Dilandau can watch him writhe in agony, the little blue bitch. But I'll let them linger in agony….Link and Reese can go next….I'll have a lot of fun with them….lots….' he thought licking his lips hungrily.
A quick death was way too good for them now. If not for that woman, they would have been spared the agony, but his anger would only grow and grow and grow until it exploded into a sea of blood. It would nice, messy, and slow now. "Then I'll be the Dragon Slayer general, not some whining, abusive pretty boy. And Akiko…oh….she will beg for death….wish against being born when I get done," he said crisply, shuddering with evil pleasure," It will please me greatly to fillet her like a fish and skewer every orifice she has with hot searching needles, then pull out her nails….her teeth, her eyes ahhh….soon, soon……once my beloved permits me so."
His eyes lifted his eyes bit at the sound of clinking metal. A group of vicious looking Artemis warriors were blocking his path. Normally he would have ripped them apart in a fight to the death, but he was expected. They looked him over a moment, a few of them nodding and they parted to give him permission to the path to the kingdom. He nodded softly and passed them by with a smirk. He could feel their eyes on his back, but it mattered little. He'd be the ruler of Princess Lacey's Dragon Slayers, his blonde epitome of beauty and grace, and his reason for all.
He could almost see those powerful and hungry green eyes staring him down, making him feel free and powerful. He needed her more than ever. 'I'm lucky I got out here on assignment, they think I'm doing my rounds…I have a good six hours to kill….and its only been two thus far. Link and I never cross paths during our rounds, no one will ever know, Hah! I am coming, my angel of the night. I'm coming with plans of their destruction.' He thought, smirking darkly as he moved down the path.
~ Artemisu Palace ~
- Lacey Artemisu's Chambers -
Lacey stood in her room, watching the kingdom faintly. The carrier pigeon with the ill news was distressing, but it was her stupid mother's plan. The plan needed to be more involved and widespread. Grego knew all the people in town truly, and those that wouldn't turn could be easily tucked away until it was over, then they could suffer. The fact that a simple maiden had foiled mother's idiotic plan proved just how terrible her mother was at planning anything, and how useless the old bag was.
'Soon I will be queen….after I have Grego take care of the bloated worm. I might just keep him around….he could be more useful alive than dead. A Dragon Slayer at my command, at my beck and call for a little bedroom service….haha…lovely.' she thought, her eyes glittering dark green as Grego's dark haired head came into view a ways from the castle. His brown hair swiveled neatly, those dark eyes of him determined. He ignored all the women of the kingdom that looked upon him hatefully.
She smirked. She could see the love in his eyes, her spell would never fade as long as she was alive. 'Well….he will be the one….I want this to be glorious for me….' She thought with a soft snicker and watched him approach. He stopped at the moat and looked up. He stood there for ten minutes before a knock sounded at her door. "Enter, Raven….no need to linger, my dear." She said smoothly.
A grumble sounded from the other side, then the door opened a bit. Lacey didn't need to turn around to see the angry expression. It didn't matter if Raven had a single idea of what lacey was intending with this man. The fact that the man was here was a great insult to Raven's pride.
"That man is here…your little pissing puppy. I gather you want him to be led up here….for planning and fucking, hmm?" she hissed out.
"How droll….Procreation is a finer word…as if you'd know. Bring him to me, and stop wasting my precious time. The more time you brazenly bore me with your tedious dialogue….the more Dilandau lives. Move….General." she let out lightly.
Raven snorted slightly, and then slammed the door. Lacey laughed musically and gave her hair a toss before summoning her servants with a bell. The young girls rushed in with a bottle of chilled vino and goblets.
They set them on her small breakfast table, dusting off the two chairs and table quickly. One poured the vino into the goblets and set the bottle neatly between them. The girls scurried out as quickly as they had been summoned. "Perfect…." She purred out and sat with her legs crossed and took her goblet into her slim finger, sipping the vino lightly.
Her door opened a few minutes later with Raven looking crossly at a smug Grego. The young Slayer walked in proudly, ignoring the good general. Raven sniffed, insulted by his existence. The door shut, Raven's footsteps fading away within moments. "My princess….I am sorry for my failure…." He said softly, his eyes gazing at all the right places. Lacey smiled crisply. "It was my mother's folly, not yours, noble Slayer. Please, sit….and have a bit of vino, then we can talk." She purred out. She smiled wider as his body visibly shuddered at the sound of her voice.
He nodded a bit and moved to the chair, sitting in it with his gloved fingers lacing about the goblet. Grego took a tentative sip, as if feeling he wasn't worthy to have such in her presence, but a quick reassuring smile put him at ease. He drank a bit more earnestly, his tolerance probably high to alcohol. So she hoped.
"But I have my own plan, much like the one you suggested to your mother a while back. I know plenty of Lateni citizens that utterly despise Dilandau and Hiero highly. I know I can convince that fool Migel to take his stupid female friend to take a night out….the woman that assists her in the bar is very hateful of Dilandau….most of the town would be glad to….erase the little worm and Hiero from Gaia itself, but I think I better let Dilandau live since General Ai wants him instead. Cheap labor and your lovely hands will not be stained in the least, my darling" He said smoothly.
"Kill them all." She said softly, sipping softly with an alluring look in her eyes. He sweated a bit. "What, my princess?"
"I tire of Raven's prattle….she'll grow spoiled if I give her every little thing she desires. If she wants Dilandau, she should fetch him herself, not expect me to lay him at her feet." she chuckled softly, taking a swig from her glass. Some of the red fluid leaked down her chin and neck, and then slipped down the clef in her chest. She heard Grego gasp softly, the crinkle of his leather shifting uncomfortably, which was followed by a thick gulp. She put the goblet down and looked him over like a hungry lioness.
He had a few beads of sweat on his forehead and he had down his entire glass. She grinned sharply and stood, slinking elegant behind him. He took a few short breaths, keeping his head held up, frozen in her presence. She slid her hands over his broad shoulders and down the sides, undoing the clasps.
His head leaned against her supple bosom. "Would you like to hear something interesting….love….?" she asked softly, blowing into his ear. His bit his lip and nodded. His armor fell away and clattered onto the floor. Her fingers rubbed and teased at his chest through his shirt. He sighed with pleasure moving against her swift fingers. "There never was a war….we Artemis and Lateni have been warring for this continent to destroy those filthy Dragon Slayers….it's a miracle one such as you are among them. Now we can rid our lands of those rude and arrogant creatures….Ah but that's not the best part, darling." She cooed, her fingers trailing down his stomach teasingly. His hips bucked slightly, then his back arched a little. She licked at his neck.
"Oh my princess….I …..Wh….What is the best part of your beautiful, wonderful….ahh…PLAN….!" He moaned, her fingers running along the bulge in his pants.
"We Artemis plan to conquer Lateni once the Dragon Slayers are gone….and soon all these lands will be ours….and I shall rule…with you as my Dragon Slayer Champion….mmm….big champion." She purred out, and stood him up, tugging him with her little finger under his chin. He was gasping for air and staring with great longing and lust in his eyes. "OH, I'll not fail you….I swear it, love." He gasped, her finger sliding down his neck. She wet her lips slowly, watching him hang on every movement.
"Undress….For tonight we join forever….my champion." She let out softly, batting her eyes. Grego obeyed like a trained dog, becoming bare in mere moments for her. She grinned and undid her laces, letting her dress slip off her nude form. Lacey had little time to waste upon anything. His seed would further her line, she would heal the marks, until she had an heir, but he would be wonderful. loyal company to use as her own little faithful puppy. "Lay on my bed….on your back." She smoothed out, rolling her fingers over one of his nipples, then down to his manhood. He sucked in his breath and did as she asked, full of eagerness and lust.
She crawled upon him and pierced herself upon his hot member, and moved with his bucking hips, his cries of pleasure mixing with her triumphant wails. The heat grew as her pace and his desire strengthened more and more. This was perfect….this would be what would lead to the death of those foolish Dragon Slayers and her fat mother. Just one little traitor melting like butter in the palm of her hand was all it would take, and Lacey would get him all she wanted, her slave of love and hate.
~
Raven sneered by the door. The princess hadn't even heard her come back, though Raven was glad the little tramp was too focused on seducing that stupid, hormonally challenged man than anything else. So that was her plan, to keep her prize dangling on a silver hook while she drooled under it. Raven Ai was not some bit of game and amusement for some spoiled little slut to toy with. So what if this one was going to fill the princess' womb? He was still a man, mere cattle and slave labor. They were only good for procreation, nothing more, nothing less.
'So I am to play fetch now, Princess, and take breadcrumbs while you soak your bed with man filth? I do not think so. I do as I please. Moan and groan all you like. I'll be the one laughing when your precious champion of trash is at the end of my blade….and Dilandau will be mine, whether you like it or not. I will be the one left standing….No one uses me. No one!' she thought venomously leaving as the bed's thudding got on her nerves.
~ The Abyss ~
- Dilandau's Chambers -
"Why? Why does she infect my brain like such a searing, addictive poison?? ARGHHH! This is pissing me off!! I HATE THAT!" Dilandau growled out, pacing back and forth. He couldn't understand the Mystic Moon female at all, why did she warn him about the Abyss being attacked and further why she wanted to know anything about him.
Never thought I'd feel again,
Feel the darkness fade and see the morning sun arise!!
Her words still burned softly like a candle in his mind, inviting and painful at the same time.
"Please, don't leave me all alone out here! I just wanted to know who the woman you loved was…. Please, don't leave me behind!"
His face burned, seeing those tears and hearing those words….alone, leaving her alone, his very blood boiled in pain from that look of utter hurt on her face. It was a look he knew….the agony of solitude. He bit down on his lip tightly, drawing blood. It slipped down his chin and dripped a few times on the floor.
"I wanted to….know who she was, who the woman you loved was….so I could see….your heart." She said softly, a timid purse of her lips as she stopped.
His heart, it wasn't just mere curiosity of the object itself. That wasn't enough to risk you life. It was also strange she wanted to see it since he had never mentioned it to her, not that he recalled. One of the Slayers had to have blurted it out in her presence. But she knew not to come in his room, ever, yet she risked her life out of the need to know who was in the locket. She wanted to know more about him
"I just was curious about your life….I thought….I could…I…I don't know. I was wrong to…pry into your affairs. I just wanted to see where your heart was….I bet she's proud of you….and happy, how far you have come."
Those words and her embrace still laced his senses. He'd never felt anything so warm in his life. For a moment, he forgot it was raining, he forgot how angry he was, all he could feel was Akiko, and then her eyes drowned his sight. So close, he knew he had nearly kissed her. He felt her lips in that moment the tree was shattered. He could still taste her a little, the faint flavor of honey and sweet blossoms. He growled and grabbed at his hair and pulled hard. The pain didn't last, the taste still there, haunting him. How sweet that one moment has dripped on his wet lips wither hers, so sweet his teeth ached.
Never thought I'd feel alive again,
Senses dull and blunt from all the lies….
He let out a heavy sigh and pushed his window open to suck in some air to dampen the flavor that was torturing him. It helped a little, the soft gaze of the Mystic Moon and its sister shimmering on his silver locks. He ran his gloved fingers through his hair.
Now, when I hold your face so close to mine,
I see a place where the sun will shine,
with you it is divine….!
'Its too strange to be a
spell, unless her magic is beyond my thoughts, which is hard to believe. It's
the spell of the fairer sex….Alessa cast such a spell with her damnedable eyes
upon my Strategos….but how do you break it?' his mind raced, then he brought
his hands down on his sill snarling. "But my soul resists a breaking, like it
will kill me. Gods….why won't it stop, why don't I want it to stop? Dammit,
will no one answer me?? Not even you Gaia!! You bitch!" he howled into the
night sky, the only reply a gust of wind that swept through his hair.
It was more than he could take really. Those eyes, they were killing him, eating away at his heart like a hot parasite, yet he yearned for more of the pain. His teeth ground against each other in frustration, the flavor lingering invisibly in his taste buds. Dilandau took a quick bite at the inside of his mouth, the coppery taste flooding his senses. It was good, the sensation of blood, but to no avail. He could still see those haunting stormy blue eyes imploring him.
In the rain, everything seemed to flood even when most all washed away. Her sweet breath seemed to spread in the wet nuisance of the storm, and she smelled so utterly clean. He'd never taken the time to know her scent, when she was excited or happy. Fear was an easy thing to see, but smelling it took great care. She was afraid, yes, but not afraid enough to stand down against him ever constant.
Her words had reached him….Don't leave me all alone out here!…..It was a knife wound he would never heal from. The word 'alone' was embedded into his brain like a tattoo as was the memory of the person he and his mother had screamed it to. 'Jajuka….What do I do….I can't get her out of my head….' He thought, spitting some blood out of his mouth. The taste faded out as he moved from the window, hers taking over again.
"I don't know….what to do now. She won't give me peace….I must know what she's doing to me. She can't be in love with me, not so innocently. I'm a bastard…a killer, and I like it that way. Why is this driving me crazy? AHHHH!!" he hissed out, tugging at his hair again. Hiero wouldn't answer him, the blue haired ass was avoiding him, just giving a wan smile in reply. No matter how many slaps came Hiero's way, he'd give that smile and tape Dilandau's heart. It was almost as infuriating as Akiko's presence. How he felt now, Hiero was lucky he was hiding. Dilandau felt the great urge to strangle the blue imp.
"I need to hurt something, break something….I will know the answer, but since I don't know it now I have to take it out on something…or someone. Hiero bets hope I don't find him….or I'll fucking kill him until he answers me!! This is pathetic! I'm getting weak over a woman. I will not allow myself to be….bested by the image of a woman! I won't!" he glowered and left his room quickly.
'Or her taste….the feel of her skin, those eyes….those….damn eyes!!!! DAMN HER!!' his mind screamed, sending his fist slamming into Chesta's door. The wood dented, a little blood drizzling down the wounded door, Dilandau's blood. He didn't even bother to nurse the hand. The pain was a wonderful distraction from the pain Akiko's all was causing him. He didn't even hear the soft yelp from Chesta, who had been sleeping until then. Nothing mattered but and answer to why the woman haunted him so much, why it hurt to deny it. 'Hiero became weak and pathetic with Alessa, then only became less guided when she vanished….women….what is this power they have….This is pissing me off!' he thought, and strode into the training room.
Looking down into those eyes,
I know, I'll be lost and never found again….
Kiss me once and I will surely melt and die,
Kiss me twice
and I will never leave your side…(if) Dreams Come
True!!
~
Val's Chambers ~
Val looked at Hiero crossly, yet curious. Hiero couldn't blame him. His childhood friend of their world, a young man he'd grown up with twice, gone through many trials together, and here he was sitting on his bed with him sat before him. In the old days, they would exchange dirty jokes and talk about all the pretty ladies they teased, or plot a prank on their parents, but that had been then.
Hiero had become distant to Val ever since Alessa vanished and seemed to rely more on Dilandau's anger being fueled by his antics, taking more and more strikes every day. It was all to forget his broken heart and it was his own way of punishing himself for not being able to rescue his wife. Val had suffered with him, because Hiero pushed his long time friend and companion away in his grief. Now it was time to pay.
Still, he was here now, in street clothes, a regular black shirt and tanned pants, just like when he was a prince. He didn't miss the days of ruling a kingdom, but the clothes were still snug and warm. He felt normal in them. For Hiero to look so casual, something had to be on his mind and Val seemed to know it. His eyes were expectant and full of curiosity. Val himself was wearing his sleeveless vest he wore under his armor and his black leather pants, the boots on the floor, as were Hiero's. "Well?" Val asked, running his fingers back and forth on his own leg.
"I'm concerned, Val-chan." Hiero said quietly, thrumming his fingers on his thigh softly. Val tilted his head to the side. "About…?" Val replied. Hiero gave a slight shrug, feeling uncomfortable. "About how much I've hurt you, my….depression has cost a lot of lives….Alessa would whack me upside the head for how I've been acting towards you. How I've let….so many of the men have died because of my selfish brooding."
"Oh….you think just saying it takes it all away? You think I'm just going to forgive your behavior with a few words, well you've got another thing coming, Hiero-kun!" Val said roughly, crossing his arms over his chest and turning away.
Hiero sighed softly. "Oook….I've been a total brooding asshole who let his broken heart get in the way of friends that were still with me who were trying to help me. Alessa should beat me the entire way through the walk of the dead if she ever saw how childish and stupid I was acting. By Hell, she should skin met, stick hot, thorny pokers in my groin for a week, and pull out every stand of head, pubic and ass hair I have. I should be dressed like your dumb blonde father and made to sing hymns in prison…I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm fucking damn sorry oh great and powerful wonderful friend who never stopped caring!" Hiero screeched out, squeezing his eyes tightly in anger and regret.
Val glared at him darkly, and Hiero's anger fall away. "Oh really….well," he hissed and shot at Hiero, pinning him to the bed," You've got a lot of nerve pulling that crap on me, who has been with you since we were kids on my world, since we fought great evils and pulled great pranks! And you have the nerve to treat me, your closest friend, closer than Dilandau and even Alessa, like you did!!??!!"
"Val-chan….I…." Hiero started, but was cut off as Val's face thrust inches before his own. Hiero's head pressed against the footboard tightly, staring his double colored pupils into the gold of Val's shimmering dragon eyes. "Well, I have only one thing to say to that!" Val growled.
SLUUUURRRRRPPPP!
"AHHHH!! MMPH! BLECH!!" Hiero yelped as Val gave him a slopped wet lick with his dragon tongue from his chin to his forehead, slobbering his face with warm dragon slobber. "Ah VAL! You're terrible!" Hiero spat and shoved his friend off laughing. Val looked pretty pleased with himself, chuckling deeply. "Please, Hiero, like I could stay mad at you forever….after all we've done and been through together, you think a mood swing of yours is going to make me give up on your sorry ass? Hah! You had that coming, Hiero-kun." Val chuckled, sticking his tongue out.
Do I dare to trust this time?
Ooh, the Bells of
Fortune, will I ever hear them chime?
Hiero
sat up and shook his head. "Had to make it slobbery, huh? Ok, ok, so I've been
a total asshole to you….I'm sorry….but no more slobber. And I thought I was
immature and strange."
"Oh sure you are, you'd a smooched and tried to embarrass me worse….you're the king of immature behavior….well Lord Dilandau's pretty immature, egocentric and psychotic."
"I'm a better kisser….he'd bite your nose off." Hiero teased. Val pinked. "Yeah….he would bite my nose and them my lips off…and stick them in my ears while he sawed my horn off….How is the silver bastard anyway? He barely comes to training anymore…"
"Oh, you care?" Hiero winked. Val rolled his eyes. "Please, I have a beautiful girlfriend as of current….and even if I wasn't, blech….that man needs help and a damn heart."
"Oh the pretty archer that you met 4 months ago? The love at first sight beauty with the green hair I heard you bragging about back then?" He asked.
Val smiled, his eyes water with happiness. "Yeah, my one and only, she's the best. My beautiful Midori#. Its what I love the most, a woman who is kind, can defend herself, and has a big wonderful heart. Ah, what a woman….we had three wonderful nights together. Damn Artemis women had to start the fighting up again….You're making me miss her again, haven't been able to see her much since then," Val chuckled, playing with his bangs," Not Like Dilandau would care or I would care he does. If he did, I'd be shocked he has a heart in that ashen pit of a body he had."
Hiero frowned a little, but nodded. "Not that it utterly matters to me, but Dilandau is actually another of my concerns…if Dilandau keeps being so frustrated over my avoidance of him and our little cook." Hiero let out, lying on his side at the food of the bed.
"Miss Akiko? What about her?" Val asked, itching his nose. Hiero blinked, then nodded knowingly. He hadn't told Val any great detail about Dilandau's interactions with the Mystic Moon maiden. He'd been too busy beating himself up over Alessa and concerning himself with the murders.
"Akiko is in love with our furious leader….and I think he's attracted to her too. I saw him touch her….and when I got back several days ago. I saw water leading to both of their rooms, and no one else's. I think something is going on inside of them, but they're too afraid of rejection, well Akiko might be afraid of it….but tries her best. Something must have happened that night, Dilandau's closed his thought off with thoughts of battle and hate. He's hiding something from me….but he asked me a few days ago and keeps asking me why she's haunting him. I think….he might care, but his ego is blocking it out."
Only those who have been burned before
Truly know the meaning of Hell's flaming core….
"He said that? Wow, the stone cold ass has a heart….he has it bad and he doesn't even know it?"
"He's only known the love of his mother….not of a woman who wasn't….He's scared we'll see him as a weakling because he has emotions, soft ones, towards….the fairer sex. To him, women are weaklings. He's…confused and angry I guess, at himself….and somewhat at her, but he doesn't want to give it up. I feel it in his heart. He can hide some memories from me, but not his feelings. I can feel everything he does, even what he's not aware of. The love he feels…."
"So….we play matchmaker and get them together….through harrowing slaps and brutal beatings?" Val asked coyly.
"You game?" Hiero smirked.
Val grinned sharply. "To see the look on his face when he discovers how he feels, I'd shave all my hair off and sing praises to that namagomi Xellos."
"A simple yes or no will do, Val….you have such cute hair" Hiero teased, ruffling it up and pecked his cheek.
"Then my answer is yes, Hiero-kun, indeed I will." Val smiled softly and kissed Hiero's cheek. Hiero gave him a light shove and batted his eyes sweetly. "Stop flirting, I'm a married man, Val-chan." Hiero teased.
Val laughed and hopped off his bed, pulling his boots on. "Then you do the same, you weirdo. Hah!"
"Oh please, I save all that for Dilandau, at least until he takes his head out of his ass," he chirped and jumped on Val's back and whispered in his ear," But I'll gladly tease you all you like, dragon boy."
Val smiled widely. "Its nice to be back to normal….a little."
Hiero nodded and slid off. "Yeah, but first things first," Hiero replied, tugging on his boots," We have to protect him and the others too. So how bout a little fun training." Hiero copped a wink at him, and Val grinned his fangs fully.
"You got it….you're about to get your ass kicked. Then we work Dilandau's heart over for Akiko. It'll be over before we know it." Val chuckled.
"I'll believe it when I see it….race ya!" Hiero let out and bolted out of the room, Val right at his heels.
~ Earlier ~
-The Kitchen -
CRASH!!! CLANG! THUNK!
These noises were not alien to Dragon Slayers who knew Dilandau's temper. They knew not to bother him lest be force into combat with him or be beaten senseless. Gatti just put cloth in his ears to dampen the sounds, Chesta quivered softly with concern for his poor master. Migel was out with the rest of the Slayers having a good time at bar, unknown to any of them. They all though Migel and Grego and Link were scouring the area like hawks, when only Link was hard at work.
Akiko did not know to fear this really, only that it startled her badly that she nearly dropped a dish. She set it in the sink and listened to the terrible noise a few minutes before her feet started to take her towards it. The clatters came again as she realized she was in the hall.
"ARGHHHH!! WHAT IS THIS!!??" came a terrible scream, full of suffering and confusion, a voice so lost it broke her heart. It was Dilandau's voice, she'd know his yell anywhere. Her feet moved again, the clattering ending with a snap of something, like a thick twig. Akiko moved faster towards it, to the training room. She rushed in, and her worry grew as her eyes met with the scene before her.
Dilandau was on his knees, his back to her, breathing hard. The training room was littered with bokkens and empty racks. Benches were over turned and few broken staffs. Dilandau was holding fistfuls of fluff in his clenched fists from the eviscerated practice dummy that lay next to him. She gulped softly, wondering what was bothering him so terribly. She took a single step before he made a growling down, so deep and foreboding, her foot felt so very heavy that she couldn't even move back.
His body tensed, his armor shimmering like a bloody moon. His sword wasn't out, but the growling went on, his silvery, beautiful head turning slowly. Dilandau face was a pure picture of an angry hunter, unwilling to give up. She curled her hand up a little to her chest and took a soft breath. "Lord Dilandau….are you…do you need help?"
He hissed and stood up with his eyes partially lidded. Her heart near leapt out of the chest with how stunning and feral he looked. Few small windows in the training room poured light out a moment, the light of the moon and its sister pouring upon his graceful, strong figure. 'Wow….oh stop staring, its impolite….oh gods he's gorgeous….Gaia is teasing me somehow.' She thought gulping quietly.
"Yes….you will help me clean up this mess, woman. Now….my patience is wearing thin of this day and my own problems. Come here….now." He let out with a low growl. She nodded softly and came to him, picking up the practice dummy best she could and setting the gutted object upright. The clouds must have come back, for the moonlight was gone. She sighed softly and starts to push the sword racks up on the nearby wall, the lightless windows high above. Dilandau was putting benches back in place, which surprised her a little. Hadn't he told her to do it?
"Lord Dilandau?" she asked softly.
He turned sharply, his red eyes piercing. "What?" he snapped. "Why are you helping me?" she asked quietly.
He blinked a bit, then his eyes slanted tersely. "I told you to help me….I will not deny I did this. I needed to beat on something to feel better, but it is not helping now." He let out, setting a bench down angrily. She flinched a little, but nodded.
Her hand went down and picked up a bokken. Dilandau was looking at her funny, his cheek ticking sharply. "What?" she asked.
"Give that to me….I'll put it away." He said evenly. "But, Lord Dilandau, I'm closer to the racks."
"That's my training sword….I get to put it away, woman." He let out sharply. She gave off a surprised look, and then shook her head. "But I'm closer, don't trouble yourself with it. I will be very careful." She said softly.
As she turned, she saw him moving towards her, determined to probably yank his bokken from her grip. He was so frightening, yet to enticing. She couldn't help feel he was nursing a broken heart and so richly wanted to have someone who cared for him. Akiko turned fully and walked briskly towards the racks, holding her head high. It was a silly reason to be proud that she was holding his sword tightly in her hands**.
Akiko's pride in the act fell short as her foot met with another bokken that was between her stride and the racks. 'Ieee!" she squealed, dropping the bokken as her body lost itself to gravity. She dipped to the side and grabbed around in the air for something to stop her plummet, but her hands only managed to knock the gutted dummy over. Her back landed against it, cushioning part of the fall.
Dilandau's crazy laughter didn't help her feel any less foolish. He was walking towards her, enjoying the funny sight that she was. She felt pretty miserable about this, when she said she'd be careful and then she tripped like a dizzy idiot and dropped her pride on the floor. "So much for that, you dropped my practice sword anyway. You damn stupid…." he started, but his foot met with his bokken and his arms flailed as his eyes widened with great surprise. His foot rolled on the bokken for a few moments before he came crashing down on her. Her eyes widened then snapped shut before impact. She felt him hit, her skin screaming out in shocked pain. His armor was tough, but thankfully not loaded with spikes.
His hands slapped loudly upon the floor, like clap of thunder in her ears. He groaned slightly, something touching her nose. The pain was fading and a warm sensation was all over her body. Akiko opened her eyes slowly, a pink blush crawling across her cheeks. He was laying on top of her, nose to nose, those little red flecks bleeding across his cheeks. The clouds moved away from the sister moons, the soft light pouring down once more upon him, and now her. "Woman…."he finished in a hushed, shocked whisper, his eyes not shrinking this time. His eyes just seemed so full and red, such bloody wine swimming there unmoving in his glass orbs. The moonlight made them sparkle so, his hair shimmering like liquid silver. He looked so lost and innocent at this moment, searching her face for an answer.
I was the brooding night and you were dawn.
Saving me, for I was forlorn, in your light I am reborn.
She stared up at him softly, the warmth spreading from her cheek down her neck until her body just felt like jelly. He moved a little, his eyes lidding softly as his face drew closer. Her eyes softly drifted shut as his were, leaning up to him, his warm breath lacing her lips.
His lips pressed to hers, the heat sudden and shocking to the senses. He was kissing her. She kissed back softly, his soft breathing like a soothing rain. His lips were so soft, this kiss not accidental. They were truly kissing. She felt like her lips were against a perfect rose, his taste of cinders and copper. Strength….so much it was intoxicating in the few moments it was becoming, yet boyish curiosity in his tender kiss.
Looking down into those eyes,
I know, I'll be lost and never found again.
Kiss me once and I will surely melt and die,
Kiss me twice
and I will never leave your side…(if) Dreams Come
True!!
He pulled back suddenly,
looking awkward and embarrassed at his actions, so very puzzled with it all.
She wanted to hug him and tell him he was strong, that he didn't need to think
that what he'd done was a weak moment. But no words came out of her, though he
spoke after a minute of soft, lost staring. "I….I don't understand this….why do
I feel this way? Why do I want more? Why did I do it? I….I don't
understand…..I'm sorry, Akiko I…." He stammered, his strength dampened by his
confusion. He pushed himself up a bit fast, turning his head, but she gripped
his wrist, feeling stupid for frightening him. Was it too fast?
"Dilandau….No, I was clumsy, its my fault you….fell….I was a fool….I should have given it back to you….Please don't….." She replied nervously, her nerve slipping. She tried to sit up as well, but he turned his head back, inched form her face. "You called me Dilandau….why?" he asked softly his eyes half lidded, like a little boy deep in thought and awe.
"I….don't know….I just…did. I'm so sorry…if I disturbed you. I shouldn't have…." She flubbed out.
"No….I shouldn't have…."he started, but his voice fell away the longer they stared at each other. He seemed to be looking for that something still deep in her eyes. He blinked slowly once and slid his glove hand to her cheek. "Akiko….I…."he said softly, his grip almost feather light," How….could I not see it sooner…."
She leaned into his palm, lacing her fingers carefully with his free hand that hung by his side. "Does it matter anymore?-gulp- I ….oh I don't know….You see it now….does it matter?" she whispered.
Then, when the walls are breaking down on us,
When all we see is misery,
Will you still
believe in me?
He
nodded a bit, his fingers upon her cheek fanning out a bit across her skin. He
didn't say a word and she couldn't find anything more, her voice lost in his
beauty. He leaned to her slowly, tilting his head a little. Her heart grew hot,
her body knowing what it wanted, to be loved by him, to know his heart.
Their lips met warmly, exploring each other softly. She breathed in his fiery scent, his leather clad fingers sliding down her neck coolly. She shuddered softly, feeling him taste her lips, the kisses he gave becoming more urgent and starved. Her skin felt hot as his soft tongue pressed against her lips. She complied and opened for him, moaning softly as he began to taste her with soft swirls of his searing hot tongue. She brought hers to his, his flavor mixing sweetly with her. She felt him draw her close to his armored chest, his hands rubbing at her back earnestly.
'Dilandau loves me….oh thank Gaia….Dilandau….I love you!' she thought happily, wrapping her arms about his neck and sifting her fingers through his silken silver hair, their breathing the only sound
"See I told you it'd be over before we knew it, Hiero." Val's voice rang through the heated kiss. Akiko flinched a moment, her eyes snapping open in surprise. Dilandau's shot open as well, then slanted with anger. He pushed away from her quickly and she scrambled to her feet just before he did.
Strategos Hiero and Sir Val were standing in the doorway looking mighty amused and smug. Hiero casually leaned against the left side of the entrance, grinning widely. "You devil….and I thought you were a wet blanket. Rowrrr…you scamp….So Cute."
Dilandau growled at him, red with anger and embarrassment at being teased. Akiko was near purple, wondering how long those two had been watching her and Dilandau kissing. "What are you talking about?? This is none of your damn business…I…." He shouted, but the pair started to giggle.
He reddened worse when Val and Hiero started to make kissy noises and blow kisses at him and Akiko. He looked at her a moment sidelong, which she met after a few moments of silence. Her eyes traveled up to the windows a moment and she felt his eyes follow. The moonlight was still shining bright upon them, bathing them in the soft twin lights of the night.
She looked fully at him, his eyes finally meeting with hers. Those eyes of red warmed a moment, and her stormy blues shimmered a small smile in their own soft way. They jabbed their fingers at the light filled windows. "It's the full moons!" they said together.
Hiero and Val just looked at each other and fell over laughing, embarrassing the pair all the more.
Looking down into those eyes,
I know, I'll be lost and never found again.
Kiss me once and I will surely melt and die,
Kiss me twice and I will never leave your side,
Until the sign of winter, always by your side....(Dreams Come True)
To Be Continued….
*This is a biblical reference. It took the lord 6 days to do what no man can do, I feel its fitting it takes the same amount for the near impossible feet of Dilandau falling in love despite his ego.
#Another of the fan art contest winner's characters, Fallon-chan. And Mother Love, wherever you are, you will appear in the story. I only hope I do you justice in the next chapter. Midori means green in Japanese.
**Don't even think anything nasty about that sentence. I kid thee of course….but don't, it ruins the romance. She's just being helpful, not anything else, ok? In future chapters, though, feel free. The start for this should be pleasant. Hahahaa!
Teaser: Dilandau and Akiko are in love, but Grego plans to exploit it to Princess Lacey. Another Dragon Slayer will face Death, will Hiero be able to stop Grego in time? Midori and Val! Romance heats up, Death roams the halls, and a conspiracy of two kingdoms is boiling over. Be here for Ch. 8: Overzealous and Jealous!
