| Bleeding Pale written: charlotte date: 28 September 2001�������� note: escaflowne belongs to its original owners. dilandau x china (original character). this is my favourite dil/china fiction because it's dark as well as beautifully bittersweet. besides, dil is my favourite esca character. wink. � - - - -�� |
| Hair spilled across my shifting vision, my dark gaze blinded. My arms were burning from their touch as my boots twisted and curled, my desperate moves touching upon their tempers and igniting. Their grasp was firm, as was my slender body. It was the fiery animal in my stomach that spread and bit wildly. Van. Dark blood was covering the ground beneath his body as it stretched to devour. They thought him dead. But, my pulsing pendant did not lie. My throat would not cry his name. Strong, I would be strong for him. His broken face would not be lit, not now. The lush ground and clustered villages would miss him if I broke now. I let them struggle, pulling me roughly into the massive claw that loomed before us. I flung my head around in that final moment, letting that image of him stain my heart. * * * Droplets of sweat ran between my swelling breasts, tickling the flesh on my stomach. I had not stopped for so long. The sand filled bag sat stoically by as my knuckles repeatedly rammed into it. I couldn't see straight, could only hear my own violent gasps of breath as I continued, over, over. My curls were quickly slipping from their band now, my constant thrusts disturbing its order. The bag was spinning, my arms were spinning, the floor was spinning, Dilandau was spinning... Suddenly, everything was still. I straightened. He was watching me from the doorway, a vague expression filling his gaze. My hands were quiet as I began to control my erratic breathing, tongue sweeping my lips to clear the perspiration that clung there. "What a lady," he murmured, not moving from his casual pose. "Your scent carries with the wind, your hair is disheveled, and your shirt is soaked. My men look more attractive after battle than you." I wiped my hands on my thighs. My anger would not show; he would never know of it. My curls were flung back in a dismissive gesture as I turned from him to begin gathering my things. "So cold. I wonder when you'll need someone to keep you warm." His voice was sharp, his lips lying flat in a thoughtful manner. "I won't ever need anyone," I said as I glanced toward him. "I'm unbreakable." I strode past him, body slipping past his figure without a touch. I liked the sound of those words as I spoke. I would no more be glass or porcelain. I would be a stone, or a forever frozen icicle. I would allow them to imprison me within their dark palace, but they would not know of my humanity, of the emotions I now decided to rip apart and toss. * * * The table was flanked by numerous young men, different shades of hair and body type blending across my vision. My figure could not be hidden amongst them, the black pantsuit I wore unable to conceal my round breasts and slender thighs. My echoing boots were silenced as I slid into the last chair on the left. Eyes catching no one, I began to eat solemnly. The wooden table was cringing beneath my gaze as I studied it intently. I listened to their idle talk, felt their quick glances bounce against my flesh. "It melts in your mouth." His hand was an equal whisper with his voice as his fingers brushed against mine to deliver the dark treasure. Too kind. I wished to hate Shesta, to tear his skin with my nails so that it hung grotesquely off his face. I could find no rage with him as I slipped the chocolate piece discreetly past my lips. My tongue had not tasted this warm flavor since the blue pillar had separated my body from my beloved earth. How long ago... Forever had passed since that day. "Thank you," I said softly. Dilandau sat at the head of the table, body unfolded and stretched languidly out upon the chair. I could taste his confidence, the arrogance that seeped from his pale limbs. He knew who was king, and his blatant sexual display, his own love of himself, turned my stomach grossly. He was speaking of an upcoming battle with a neighboring community, of his obvious victory. "...and then they will all burn to death," he said with a smirk. "Anything you wish, Dilandau-sama," the coffee haired boy said. I knew he was watching him, knew his eyes flickered upon the full mouth of the prince who was seated next to him. Miguel was subtle when risking actions such as those. But, I knew he wanted. My lips twitched with disgust. I would not ponder his thoughts, not wanting to know where he would put his hands. Being surrounded by men had taught me such things. Knowledge was a vicious thing. I had never wanted to know half of what I knew now. My hands were tainted by another blood. "Maybe our beautiful feline would involve herself in our battle. The first is always the most exciting." Dilandau's voice carried and settled in front of me. A dare. I glanced up, blue ice meeting their expectant gazes before falling into his. "I didn't know prisoners were allowed to fight alongside your men," I said. "Besides, I am only a woman." My own pride snapped at me, but maybe now he would forget my silent presence. "A woman has great claws." "Dilandau-sama," Shesta murmured, "I fear that it would be risky to bring her into battle. If something were to happen to her, the sorcerers would not be pleased." Hard iron and crisp needles flashed white. I always remember. My own voice, shrieking inhumanly, sounds foreign even to my ears. They wanted me as they had wanted him before. I was violated by their hands, their cool instruments of science. I was not my own. "Damn the sorcerers," said Dilandau lazily. "They cannot harm me. I can do whatever the hell I want." "Of course," the blond replied as he concentrated on the ivory plate before him. "Let's test her," Dalet offered with a deep glance in my direction, his lavender hair twirling between his fingers lightly. He was another god, another body that knew of its fiery sexuality and its dangerous effect on those around him. His beauty was soft, a silken rose petal with a tongue of thorns. "You wish to challenge me?" I said lightly, pink mouth pulling upwards into a sneer. My breathing quickened with the thought. It was delicious, that thought to slice them apart and watch their blood flow. Dilandau straightened in his chair, his fingers running against his cheek as he studied me. "I wonder how long you'd last..." He was murmuring to himself as his garnet traced the contours of my face, slipping to caress the curve of my breasts. I let him swallow me for the moment. Hatred would be tucked away for later, my blade speaking for my tongue. * * * Darted left, right, left again. His sword clashed with mine, the silver smashing the walls with piercing sound as it rang over, over. I jumped back, tiny gasps of sound the only emotion I let slip through as we fought. Gatti made a quick movement, his arms lifting as he swung wide. One leg sprung forward and I lunged wickedly for his open belly. Cobalt met azure. He froze, stomach muscles sucking inward for protection. The tip of my sword was nestled amongst his armor, hungry point reaching for any available flesh. My eyes narrowed with pleasure, my gaze unwavering as I stared him down. That made three. "Enough," ordered Dilandau. Face returning its neutrality, I let my gaze fall as I busied myself with my sword. The lashing dragons, their intertwined power, the deep red were seeping into my hands. Magic was twirling, something deadly and intelligent, something that filled my senses with unknown strength. "Are you satisfied? Or shall I taste blood for you?" Our bodies faced one another, slender figures mirroring each other with curvaceous stance. Shock of electric. "You were underestimated, I suppose," Dilandau said. "I've watched you practicing with your men. I know every move." "A woman of equal strength to a soldier. The idea rather frightens me," Dilandau said. His eyes were shining, his bluff called. I felt that startling tingle spark up between his fingers as they rested upon the hilt of his sword. "I enjoy a good scare." I watched Shesta's jaw clench, his face remaining impassive. He had refused to fight opposite me. His morals would not allow it he said. The tension from the three huddled slayers on the bench was felt. They were giving their leftover power to their prince, wishing him to slash through my pale throat. "Let's do this," I said with the toss of my raven tresses. The magic was bubbling once more, and I stepped into position, eyes meeting his. My sword slid easily into my palms and I crouched. Pounce. He swung, body moving forward instantly as he rammed into my body. I shoved away, muscles clawing beneath my skin, and jumped to my left. Upwards and our blades met, singing gleefully. He feinted to the right; I brought my sword too soon, tricked, and thrust forward. Catching my sword with his, he whirled his sword around, trying to dislodge my weapon from between my hands. I heard myself snarl as the dragons rose. I stepped backwards and took a wild swing. He matched it, again, again. I lunged forward and shoved. Dilandau stumbled once, eyes burning, and flung himself toward me. Weapons continued to be rammed against each other. I couldn't hear above the ringing in my ears. I could only taste sweat as it ran down my nose, slipping between my parted lips. His harsh gasps were deeper than mine, but just as frequent. The hard floor slid beneath my feet suddenly and my legs tangled. He was upon me in an instant, knee bent on top of my thigh, other leg hugging my waist as he straddled my fallen form. Swords shimmered above my chin. "I win," Dilandau whispered. His breath fingered my face as it hovered not inches away. I smiled. My mouth opened and my tongue shot forth. Curling, the little serpent struck his surprised lips. The others were not privy to my vengeance. Ruby widened. This distraction gave me a moment's time to push my blade upward. His body immediately leapt from mine as I lunged fast, twirling, swinging fiercely. His arms moved quickly to match my strikes, but I was on a rampage. I watched his body being pushed into the wall, his back slamming against the sharp stone. My sword was brought to his throat, sliver blurring. His warrior arm hung limply at his side. Breathe. Breathe. "That was... a dirty ...trick," Dilandau gasped, brows shoved together in anger. "Only a woman would pull that," I murmured with a dangerous purr. My chest was heaving. My heart had exploded. "Get away from me," he growled. Silent. The room had sunk with his defeat. I stepped back as I sheathed my sword. Suddenly, with a deep yell, Dilandau flung his sword across the room, the stone wall opposite crunching the metal. His silver hair cut the air as he stalked from the room. I listened to his thick boots thunder within the halls. |