A/U: Well here is the next chapter. I had a bit of trouble getting is started and trying to keep our lovable psychopath in character. It seems like a few of the scenes I rewrote so many times I lost track. I really hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or Van or Dilandau or any of the rest of them

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He woke up enveloped in sweet warmth. The feeling was luscious, wonderful and foreign, but something he could gladly become accustom too. Dilandau let out a sigh of contentment as he stretched along the body of Van Fanel, savoring the feel of heat that radiated off the king.

Dilandau begrudgingly opened his eyes once it became obvious he was not going to be able to go back to sleep. His mind had become too aware and was not going to let him fall back into the peace of slumber. He watched as the view of the room changed ever so slightly with each breath Van took, since his head was still pillowed on the golden chest.

He ran his pale fingers up the broad expanse of Van's chest watching the muscle twitch ever so slightly before running them down Van's side to rest at his hip. The Fanelian king was presenting himself to be quit a complex problem. Van had taken the lives of his Slayers, had proven Dilandau was a failure, and had scarred his face. Each was a burning searing pain in his heart, an intense pain that threatened to consume him with grief. But then, laying here in Van's arms he was content. Something about the Fanelian excited him, made him feel…he wasn't sure, complete? satisfied?

And yet, Van had slaughtered his Slayers, it wasn't right for him to enjoy the one who had snuffed the lives of fourteen of his precious men. But then wasn't it his own fault? He had disobeyed Folken, had chased after Van, he had ordered the attack on Escaflowne despite the fact that he was disobeying orders. If he had listened to Folken, if they had returned to the Vione would his Dragon Slayers still be alive? Was their blood on his hands as much as Van's?

After several ragged breaths he was able to swallow, squeezing his eyes tight against the moisture accumulating there. Dilandau shivered involuntarily though whether from the cool morning air or the rawness of his nerves he was not sure. The arm wrapped around him tightened pulling him closer, he looked up to see that Van was still asleep, he had responded to Dilandau's body instinctually.

Was it concern that gave Van the edge of him? Was it that Van wanted to protect everyone? What had given him the advantage over Dilandau that had allowed him to repeatedly defeat him? Dilandau was supposed to be the perfect soldier. He had been made specifically to defeat Van the Dragon, the madoushi had sculpted his body, the trainers had sculpted his mind and skill, he had been given one purpose and yet he had failed. What was wrong with him that he had failed so desperately?

Again the arm around his waist tightened but this time Van's other hand ran though his hair several times before stopping to rest at the base of his neck. He felt his body relax as Van kissed the top of his head.

"You're thinking rather loud. What's wrong?" Van's voice was heavy with sleep and his cinnamon eyes were open only enough to look down at Dilandau.

Dilandau's response was to nuzzle his face into Van's neck before replying simple, "You."

A smile pulled at the edges of Van's mouth. It would appear the Dilandau was dealing with the same inner turmoil that had kept Van up most of the night. Van ran his hand into the thick locks at the base of Dilandau's neck his fingers messaging the tension there.

Despite the many hours of consideration, Van had been unable to come to any distinct conclusion regarding his former enemy. After several hours of contemplation the only conclusions he had been able to come were minor.

He did fell a bit relieved when it occurred to him that his obsession with Dilandau was not recent, but had steamed from the war. Possibly even the first time he had seen Dilandau, so many colors ago in Allen's castle on the Astorian frontier. Now though that infatuation had gone from wanting to rid Gaea of the Slayer Lord, to wanting to…protect, care for, possibly even love him.

"Gods Fanel, could the two of us be any more screwed up?" Van felt Dilandau nuzzle into his neck again.

"I doubt it Peacock." Van ran his hand down Dilandau's arm breathing in his musky rose scent.

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Panic and rational battled as Allen cleared the stairs on the fourth floor of the Fanelian palace. He was vaguely aware of the fact that Hitome and Michael were trailing him, but right now the need to assure himself that his younger…sibling was ok had become the ruling emotion in his mind.

Terror had filled him upon learning that there had been an attack on the palace and that the lord's young friend had been the target. No one else had been able to tell him more than that.

He looked down the "king's hall" realizing that he had no idea which door lead to Dilandau's room. One set of doors did grab his attention, they bore the royal insignia of Fanelia. Van's room! Quickly Allen made his way to the doors, his mind a flurry of thoughts, he threw the doors open without as much as a thought to request entry.

The sight before him stalled all thought. Even after hearing Hitome's gasp he could not move, could not register the fact that Dilandau was wrapped in Van's arms, in Van's bed.

"Van!" The king opened his brown eyes only to roll them in exasperation at Hitome's outburst.

"If she yells again, can I kill her?"

Dilandau's comment finally pulled the Knight of Caeli out of his stunned stupor. Striding across the room he grabbed Dilandau's arm yanking him out of the bed.

Dilandau landed on his feet with cat like grace, yanking his left wrist loose from Allen's grasp as his right hooked, slamming into the side of the blonds face. He watched as the knight stagger backwards a look of utter shock on his face as he raised his hand to his bruised check.

"Don't ever touch me," Dilandau snarled as an arm snaked around his waist to prevent any further retaliation against his older brother. He allowed Van to pull him back against his chest as his ruby glare flashed from his brother to the other two interlopers at the door.

Allen watched a tremor of terror running through his body, as those clear deadly eyes roamed the room. Dilandau was no longer under the calming effects of the tea Millerna had given he and Van to control the albino's violent mood swings and horrifying nightmares.

"Van how could you? How could you do this?"

The king turned his attention to the flabbergasted girl in the door, not really feeling like dealing with her and her emotional outbursts. He tightened his arm around the Dilandau's waist as he heard the low growl emanate from the others throat.

"Hitome please try to – "

Van," she cried making an agitated gesture towards the young man he was holding, "it's Dilandau. He is the enemy, the psycho that – "

Any further comment was cut off as Dilandau lunged towards her, but Van had felt him tense and wrapped his other arm around him, slamming the younger boy to his chest.

"Merle!" He was quit certain that by now the cat-girl was close at hand. Merle was never one to miss a disturbance, an opportunity to stick her nose where it didn't belong. The cat-girl's pretty pink head peaked around the corner at him.

"Please take our guests to my office. We will be joining them once we have an opportunity to change." There was an unusual tightness in his voice as he spoke. Merle nodded waiting for the others to leave the room. Allen gave Van and Dilandau a tight lipped look before exiting the others following. With an apologetic look Merle shut the doors behind them.

Van waited till he heard the click of the doors latching before releasing Dilandau. His hand immediately came up to block as Dilandau twirled around throwing a punch at him.

"Why did you stop me?" Those ruby eyes glittered dangerously.

"Because attacking Allen and Hitome would have had Astoria calling for your blood even more than they already are."

"I don't care if Astoria does – "

"You may not but I do Peacock." The convection in Van's voice gave Dilandau pause as he searched the depths of the cinnamon brown eyes that were staring so intently into his own.

After a few moments he sighed leaning into Van dropping his head on the others shoulders. "So screwed up."

Van wrapped his arms loosely around Dilandau's waist as he tried to calm his nerves. He would need to be calm and collected to deal with both Dilandau and Allen. He had the distinct feeling that neither of the brothers had any intention of being so.

"We need to get dressed before your brother comes storming back up here thinking I'm defiling you in some way."

Dilandau's arms wrapped around his back as he pulled Van close, "Let him think whatever the hell he wants." Van hugged him tight before pulling away. "He touches me Van, and I will – "

Van put a finger to Dilandau's lips. "That's why I had Merle take them to my office, I can put the desk between you and Allen." Dilandau stood there contemplating for several minutes before half playfully, half seriously punching Van in the arm. With a flip of his sliver bangs he stalked off to his room.

Once he had changed, Van waited outside Dilandau's door, tempted to enter and see what was taking him so long to get dressed. After five minutes Dilandau finally emerged still looking as pissy as ever. Dilandau ran a hand through his hair as he shut the door to his room, growling as it fell back into his face.

"Do you know what happen to my diadem," he asked as he fell into step beside Van.

"I don't. Allen might know, he may even have it."

"Great. Guess I will have to get a new one cause I sure as hell am not asking him." A pale hand pulled equally pale bangs away from his face only to have them fall back into his eyes.

"Peacock." Dilandau threw Van a disgruntled look that only served to amuse the king.

Van entered the office dropping into the chair directly behind the desk. He had expected Dilandau to take the other chair that Merle usually occupied but the former soldier came to stand at Van's left side, feet and shoulders squared, arms crossed over his chest a look of pure annoyance on his handsome face.

Allen was seated in the high back chair opposite Van's own, his elbows resting on the armrest his hands interlocked, intense blue eyes boring into the king. Hitome had opted to seat herself on the couch next to a young man Van did not know but guessed to be the one she called Michael since he was dressed similar to her. Hitome wore an expression mixed with irritation, confusion, frustration and disgust.

In the far corner Merle sat on the edge of the table calmly taking in the situation with her cat like curiosity. Van hoped it would stay that way. Merle had oddly enough taken a liking to Dilandau and when Merle liked someone she was fiercely protective of them.

"So," Van started, though he really wasn't sure what he was going to say. He wasn't even sure why Allen was there. He had his guesses, but did not think word would have reached the Astorian already. "What has brought you to Fanelia?"

Allen almost choked. The prat of a king was going to act as if he had not just been caught compromising his younger brother. "I think that is a bit obvious don't you Van?"

"If it were all that obvious Schezar he wouldn't have asked." Dilandau's voice was scathing as he sneered at his brother.

Van took a deep breath. He had to find a way to diffuse the situation before Dilandau lost what little patience he had and attacked the Knight. "Allen, I highly doubt that information of what has been taking place in Fanelia could have reached Astoria already, so again I ask what brought you here."

Allen stormed to his feet slamming his hands down on Van's desk, "Don't sit there and try to act like you haven't been taking advantage of my brother Van – "

"Do you really think I would let anyone take advantage of me," shrieked Dilandau as he slammed his own hands against the top of the desk leaning over it so his face was inches from Allen.

Allen stared at the angry red eyes for several minutes before straitening up crossing his own arm over his chest. "Dilandau you have had a lot happen to you this last year. For a young boy such as yourself it would make it easy for 'certain' people to use that to their advantage. To make you think…"

"Make me think certain things," Dilandau mocked before sitting himself down in Van's lap, resting his head on Van's shoulder his legs dangling over the armrest. "Now what things might they make me think?" He said I a sing-song voice before wrapping his arms around Van's neck pressing his lips to Van's.

Van was trying really hard not to walk around the desk and deck the Astorian Knight. It was probably a good thing that Dilandau had sat down in his lap, not only did it keep him for getting up but the feel of Dilandau's body pressed against his, was a rather welcome distraction.

"Dilandau!" Allen had once again slammed his hands against the desk his eyes wide with surprise and rage.

"What?" Dilandau pouted at him innocently.

Allen raked a hand through his hair before looking at Van. "Why did you stop giving him his tea? You see how he is?"

Van raised a dark eyebrow as Dilandau scowled. "I told you that night Allen that you could not contain him by drugging him."

"It was for his own good," Allen snapped.

"No!" Everyone turned to look at the cat-girl who had vacated her spot on the table to advance on the knight. "You used it to control him so he would do what you wanted him to," she finished poking a claw in Allen's chest. "You're just mad that Lord Van is getting along with Dilandau now that all the drugs you and those Zaibach freaks gave him have all worn off."

Dilandau and Hitome both had looks of surprise, Michael looked curious, Van looked please and Allen looked like he might be sick. Merle gave a very un-lady like snort before hefting herself up on to the corner of Van's desk to glare at Allen.

"Umm Van."

Van turned his attention to Hitome who was refusing to look at him and Dilandau. He supposed he could not blame her. Beyond the 'crush' the two of them had once had on each other, she had repeatedly saved his life from the very person that was now perched in his lap.

"Hello Hitome, how have you been?"

She looked up briefly before her eyes went back to staring at the tops of her shoes. "I have been ok."

Van bit his lip as he watched Dilandau roll his eyes. He dug a finger into the Slayer's side earning a frown from him. "And who is your friend?"

"Oh, umm this is Michael." Van really had the urge to mimic Dilandau's action as Hitome continued to glare at her shoes. Even Michael was frowning at her.

"Welcome to Fanelia Michael, I hope you and Hitome enjoy your time here." Michael gave the king a genuine smile. He did realize that this Van was telling him that he understood that Michael and Hitome were together. Of course it didn't look like Van was going to be giving him any trouble anyway. He had the impression this Dilandau guy was the jealous type.

"Van," Hitome finally got the courage to look at him without looking away. "I had a vision." She sneered at Dilandau as he rolled his eyes and dropped his head against Van's shoulder. "Something terrible is going to happen."

Van's brow knit with concern. "What was your vision?"

Hitome looked pointedly at Dilandau. "Let me guess I'm going to cause of the end of the world." Dilandau's words oozed sarcasm.

"You and your Dragon Slayers," she spat back at him.

Michael instinctively pulled Hitome to him as the albino looked at her. He noticed that Van wrapped both arms around the silver haired boy. What ever Hitome had said had made him mad, and if Michael didn't know better he would have thought that murder was dancing in those blood red eyes.

"My Slayers are all dead you stupid bitch, no thanks to you." Hatred poured with each word that left from his mouth.

"Hitome," Van's voice held a distinct warning to it, but his look said he wanted her to continue.

Taking a deep breath after throwing Dilandau a look of her own she continued. "I saw a red sky that was raining flames, there was fire every where and him," she nodded to Dilandau, "and there were children, there were trapped and being burned by the rain but Escaflowne landed and was protecting them. Then these lizard men came out of the flames… what?" Both Van and Dilandau had looked at her with a look of recognition.

"What did these lizards look like?"

Hitome pulled at her lower lip thinking. "Well they had dark skin, or scales and were tall – "

"Did they have a tail?" Hitome looked at Dilandau darkly for interrupting but he ignored it.

"Yeah, like a scorpion tail – "

"That's it." Hitome watched as Dilandau rubbed the back of his neck, she also noticed the way Van had pulled the other boy closer to him his arms wrapping around him protectively.

"What happened Van?"

Everyone jumped at the sound of Allen's voice. They had all been so intent on Hitome that they had forgotten he was there. Van gave Dilandau a look as if to ask if he wanted to tell the story or should Van.

Dilandau gave a snort, "We ran into one of those stupid bastards."

"How? Where?" Dilandau glared at the knight before pointedly looking away.

Van sighed shifting slightly to get a better hold on Dilandau. He was actually rather surprised Dilandau was still sitting in his lap. "Those lizards have wings. One flew up to Dilandau's balcony and stung him."

"That was the attack they were talking about when we arrived," Hitome said as if it were a revelation.

"Is that why you burst into my room this morning, you thought Dilandau was in trouble."

"Yes, though I wasn't expecting the one I had entrusted him to, to be the source of that trouble."

Van rolled his eyes, tightening his grip on Dilandau who had tensed. "Allen nothing happened," Van finally exclaimed.

"Then why were – "

"Because we fell asleep talking," Dilandau snapped his ruby eyes narrowing on his brother.

"Under the blankets cuddled up?"

Dilandau sneered at him, his hand tightening around one of Van's. "I get cold ok. The stupid madoushi did that to me."

Allen looked at his younger brother a realization sinking in. Those words had been difficult for Dilandau to say, it meant openly admitted he had a weakness. "Hmm, well you didn't need anyone to snug up next to when you lived with me."

"Tell me Schezar, how much time did I spend around the fire?"

Allen opened his mouth then snapped it shut again. Dilandau gave him a look that said 'I told you so.'

"You're a pyro," Hitome snipped at him.

Michael frowned at his girlfriend. Was she intentionally courting the temper of this Dilandau? He watched as the albino threw Van a look as if asking if it was ok 'now' to kill Hitome.

"Tell me Dilandau," Allen drew his brother's attention back to him, "how then did you sleep on the Vione?"

Dilandau frowned darkly at him. "Folken." He felt Van's whole body go ridged under him and realized how that must have sounded. "He use to give me a drug every night before I went to sleep, and then another when I woke to counter it."

Van forced himself to relax, mentally berating himself for the surge of jealousy that had momentarily consumed him. "Is that why you never attacked at night?"

"I suppose, though with the right incentive I could, after all I came after you in Astoria." He smirked at Van.

"Lord Van," Van and Dilandau both turned to look at Merle. "That lizard thing, it attacked at night, maybe it was expecting Dilandau to be drugged still."

"That is possible, most everyone had gone to bed."

Further discussion was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Van groan allowed as his advisor let himself in. "My lord, there are important matters that need you attention."

"I will be there as soon as I complete my business with Lord Schezar."

"But my lord – "

The man stopped in mid sentence as Dilandau claimed the dagger Van had been wearing in his belt. He playfully flicked the blade so the light reflected off of it before purposefully looking at the intruder. The man bowed sputtering some rubbish apology and backed out of the room. Van rolled his eyes, a smile playing on his lips as Dilandau replaced the dagger.

Allen, though he rather have dealt with the situation regarding Dilandau and his involvement with Van, knew the king needed to deal with his matters of state. Rising he bid Van farewell waiting at the door for Hitome and Michael. He somehow knew Dilandau would not be joining them with out a fight.

Van watched the door shut and dropped his head onto Dilandau's shoulder. "Gods I hate politics."

"There is a reason I'm a solider," Dilandau smirked winking at Merle who was watching the two of them with a smile.

Van looked up at him with a wry grin, "I never asked to be king, or a solider, ended up being both."

"I hate to ruin your moment boys," Merle purred, "But what do you intend to do about Allen?"

Dilandau through her a nasty look to which she stuck her tongue out in return. Van sighed, kissing Dilandau's temple. "I'm afraid he is going to do something that is going to put you in danger, and…" he put a finger to Dilandau's lips, "I know you can take care of yourself, but this thing." Dilandau snarled a reluctant agreement.

"I have an idea, but you two probably won't like it." She tapped a clawed finger against her teeth apparently thinking over her solution. "Allen is all worried that Lord Van is going to pervert you Dilandau," she earned a snort for that comment, "but we don't want him taking you away. I don't trust him not to drug you again. So…"

"Yes Merle?"

"Well Lord Van, what if you let some of Allen's men guard Dilandau's balcony. That way they can make sure that no one is taking advantage of him and that thing will have to go through Allen's men first."

Van had to give it to her, Merle's idea wasn't half bad, though he much rather Dilandau be sleeping with him…so he could protect him. He looked down to see Dilandau chewing franticly on his lower lip.

"What is it?" Van asked running a finger over his lip so he would stop before it started to bleed.

"What if I have nightmares?" The words were just a whisper.

"Lord Van is right next door, I'm two doors down."

"What if Allen doesn't let you in?"

"I am the king Peacock." Dilandau looked up at him giving him a half smile.

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Upon entering the Fanelian Palace the next morning one might have presumed the next Great War had broken loose. Dilandau stood, ruby eyes sparking, hands on his hips staring across the hall at Allen, who stood grim faced arms crossed over his chest. Both had a rose tinge to their cheeks from yelling at one another.

"You will be joining us Dilandau!"

"There is no way I am going to your stupid dinner Schezar so just deal with it!"

All the servants had long since scattered leaving an audience of Hitome, Michael and Merle.

"I won't have to deal with it because you will be joining us!"

"No I won't!"

"Umm Allen if he doesn't want to go – " Hitome tried.

"He does want to go!"

"No I don't!"

"Dilandau, Lord Van will be there," Merle piped in hoping to stop the arguing.

"Are you going to be there?" he snapped at her.

"Well no, but I'm – "

"If Merle is not going than I am not." With that Dilandau turned his back to Allen crossing his arm over his chest with a smug look of triumph on his face.

"Merle is going." All eyes snapped on Allen.

"No I'm not!" screeched Merle

"Why not Merle?" Hitome asked seeing an end to the argument.

"I can't… I don't …I mean…" Merle sunk to the floor wrapping her arms around her legs her tail switching irritably as she glared up at the open mouth Dilandau.

"Then it's settled. Dinner will be a five." With that the knight turned with a snap and headed off to wherever.

Dilandau gave Hitome a blood curdling look before walking into his room, slamming the door behind him. He threw himself on the bed wondering what deity was enjoying the agony they were torturing him with.

A slight knock at the door had him growling again "What?"

He watched as Merle slunk into the room looking rather dejected. She wound her tail around her fingers, as she approached him, tears welling in her eyes.

"What's the matter with you?"

"I don't have anything to wear Dilandau, and Hitome said I had to be all dressed up and have to act right and I don't know what to do, I've never been to a real dinner before." Merle would have found the look on Dilandau's face rather comical if she had not buried her head in his chest.

"Go buy something then?" He snapped trying to dislodge the cat-girl without hurting her.

"But I don't know what to buy," She wailed tightening her grip on him.

With a sigh of resignation he pushed the cat-girl towards the door.

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Van grumbled under his breath as he made his way up to his room. He had spent the day surveying damage done to the reconstruction by the previous night's rain. Thankfully most of the sites had been well prepared for the rain and the only delay would be due to muddy roads. That good news had been overshadowed when he had returned only to find that Hitome had arranged a formal dinner gathering.

He had never liked formal dinners, nor did he usually have time for them. Merle typically brought dinner to his office where he would eat while trying to read through the ever growing pile of paperwork on his desk.

Most of the day had actually been spent entertain the idea of a private dinner with Dilandau out on the east patio. He doubted even Allen could object to the open public setting, though with Allen's current mood, Van had a feeling the Knight was going to object to anything Van did that included his brother.

One of Allen's men was now posted outside of Dilandau's door. Van wondered what had brought about that. Had Allen heard about the kiss he had stolen from Dilandau that morning. Well maybe stolen wasn't the right word, Dilandau had, after all been waiting for Van.

Sliding into his room, he leaned against the door as it shut, trying to think of some way to get out of this dinner when something on his bed caught his eye. Moving across the room he saw a cascade of dark rich blue material a red rose perched on top of it. He picked the rose up running under his nose as he smiled down at the shirt.

"I thought the red one would have looked better, but he insisted on blue." Van smiled at the sound of Merle's voice. "When he has made up his mind there is just no changing it."

Van turned to the cat-girl catching her as she flung herself into his arms for a hug. "You really don't mind what is happening between the two of us?" Something akin to nervousness coiled in his stomach as he waited her answer.

"Lord Van, all I care about is that you are happy. If he makes you happy then," she shrugged her shoulders. "Though I'm not convinced either of the two of you know what's happening between you." She giggled at the look on Van's face. "Anyone with eyes can see that you two are attracted to each other. I think maybe you always have been."

Dark brows furrowed. He had come to some what of the same conclusion, but it was a bit surprising to hear Merle say the same thing. "I have no idea what I am doing Merle. I can't even begin to explain the way I feel. I think back on the war and I'm totally revolted by what he did. Then I look at him and…"

A soft giggle filled the air as Merle pressed a claw into the tip of his nose. "And to think I thought you were in love with Hitome."

"I was Merle and still am, just not like that."

"That may be Lord Van, but the way you feel about Dilandau…" she giggled again. "You're in love with him Lord Van, that fascination you two had for each other during the war is still there, it's just that now it's a lot more positive."

"The people of Fanelia are going to dethrone me when they find out," he sighed giving her a lopsided grin.

Merle took his face in both her hands, "Lord Van the people of Fanelia already know." She shook her head at him before he could argue, "I got to see their reactions first to him today. He took me shopping and Lord Van, the people treated him like anyone else, maybe even better because they all think he is your lover."

"Merle!"

"Hey I didn't give them that idea, of course neither of us corrected it either." Van blinked several times as Merle gave him a brilliant smile.

Neither of them, meaning Dilandau had not corrected them, and the people of Fanelia were accepting it. Van recalled the day he had taken Dilandau shopping and how the shop keeper had reacted towards Dilandau. She had known who he was and still she had complemented Van saying that Dilandau was a 'pretty thing.'

"You better get ready Lord Van. Hitome will not be happy if you are late." Van groaned as the cat-girl skipped to the door laughing.

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A smile graced his lips as Michael retold the story of his and Hitome's first meeting. The guy really wasn't all that bad, and right now Van was thankful for the distraction he was causing. Allen had become rather irritable when it became evident that Dilandau was going to be late. That had upset Hitome since it would delay the serving of the meal, which made her to snap at Allen for not making sure Dilandau was punctual. Allen had then told her to be more patient. Van, Michael and Merle could only look at each other as the argument between the two intensified.

It came to an abrupt halt when the double doors swung open to reveal the very person that had caused the commotion. He stood there looking like beauty perfected. His red shirt looked like liquid silk pouring over his perfect body. His black pants molded to him revealing the supple muscles of his legs, ending in a pair of ankle high black boots that sported delicate gold buckles. The black belt that rested on his hips was fastened with a matching gold buckle, the leather pressed with a rose design. And perched under his silver bangs was a gold diadem, a ruby that matched his eyes encased in the center. He was truly a feast for the eyes.

Dilandau had sauntered over to his seat next to Allen, blowing Van a kiss as he sat. Allen growled, Hitome scowled, Merle had laughed and Van was oblivious to it all, his full attention on Dilandau. He was finally drawn back to the group when Merle had reached over and shut his mouth.

It had been then that Michael clapped his hands together and asked how everyone had met, starting with how he had bumped into Hitome…literally.

Dilandau picked at his salad as Michael talked. He actually didn't mind the boy's talking. He was one of those people who could amuse others without trying and he didn't embellish his story as so many did. It was really too bad he had come with the Moon Witch.

Feeling those cinnamon eyes on him again, he looked past his brother to catch Van looking at him. Dilandau smirked, he was enjoying the fact that the king could not keep his eyes off of him. Of course he had gone to lengths to make sure that was the case. After they had found an outfit for Merle, a cute light green dress that flowed around her knees, Dilandau had set out to make sure no one else would be able to draw Van's attention away from him, at least not for long.

There was the minor frustrating fact that he was finding it equally difficult to keep his eyes from training over the Fanelian King. Van had worn the blue shirt Dilandau had purchased for him. He had known the color would look good on the other boy but he had not expected it to bring the tantalizing golden tones of Van's skin out.

"What about you Dilandau?"

Dilandau stared across the table at Michael who was looking at him expectantly. He ground his teeth slightly realizing that he had let Van distract him enough that he had lost track of the conversation.

"I can't imagine he or any of his men had hobbies Michael, they were soldiers after all." The disdain in Hitome's voice was scathing.

"Despite what you may think, Hitome, my men did have lives." The words were spit out with just as much venom as hers.

"What were they like?" Dilandau's head snapped around his eyes widening as they locked with Van's. He was truly surprised to see that Van was actually curious.

With a great effort he swallowed the nasty retort that had been on his lips and took a deep breath to calm himself, aware that everyone was waiting for him to describe his Dragon Slayers. "Well Gatti, my first in command loved to write, he was always writing short stories that made the way around the Vione."

"Vione?" Michael looked at him confused.

"The flying fortress I was stationed on." Dilandau stabbed a small tomato with his fork playing with it before continuing. "Gatti's had a wonderful imagination. His stories could take you away from reality." He sighed remembering the last story Gatti had written about flying horses and birds of fire.

"Then there was Chesta, if Gatti could write Chesta could read. I think he read Folken's entire private library as well as the communal library. He would even go over my paper work and correct it before it was forwarded."

"Guimle was our artist, he was always drawing. He did the guymelef layouts I used for training new recruits. He also did the initial drawings for our uniforms."

"I don't think there was anything Miguel couldn't fix f he was given enough time." A chuckle escaped his lips as he recalled Miguel's greatest accomplishment. "Miguel made these small hand-held communicators. We would use them to sneak into the kitchen and steal sweets."

"Then there was Dallet, I think he was the only one on the Vione that could get anything to grow. He had a small garden hanging off one of the catwalks till Adelphos showed up one day to do an inspection."

The words just seemed to be flowing out of him, like he couldn't stop them. "There was Viole who could sing like an angle, he played a flute too. After classes were over at night, sometimes he would play for us. Ryon – "

"What about you?"

"Me?" Dilandau looked at Michael not sure what he was being asked.

"What did you do?"

"Kill people, burn countries to the ground – "

"Hitome!" The girl looked at Van who was glaring darkly at her.

"I happen to like to draw and paint thank you little-miss-I-ruin-everyone's-life."

"Dilandau!" Allen snapped and Hitome slammed her hands on the table. "Excuse me?"

"I don't think there is an excuse for you," Dilandau ground out leaning across the table.

All conversation halted, as their salad plates were whisked away replaced by the main entrée. Van watched Dilandau concerned. The albino was scathing mad and rightfully so. Even Allen was frowning at Hitome who was looking rather self righteous in Van's opinion. Merle looked like she was read to crawl under the table and Michael had his typical confused look, like he didn't quit believe what he was hearing.

Hitome took several bites of her meal, as everyone but Dilandau turned their attention to their food. "So do you really expect us to believe that your men were anything less than bloodthirsty heartless killers that – "

Hitome screamed as Dilandau's plate hit the wall right beside her head. Glass shards from the plate showered over her as he stalked out of the room. She looked at Van as if to say 'see he is a psychopath,' but the look Van gave here was one of pure rage. She had taunted Dilandau into his outburst and Van was putting the blame solely on her.

Van stood placing his hand on Allen's shoulder as the knight made to stand. "I don't know that now is the best time – "

"I am not leaving you alone with him."

Van sighed trying not to roll his eyes, making his way to the door to follow Dilandau. He hoped the other boy had gone back to his room. The thought of an angry Dilandau roaming the castle was still a bit frightening no matter how Van felt towards him. He was a bit relived when a wide eyed maid pointed up the stairs wordlessly.

The bedroom door slammed. Van slowed his steps giving Dilandau a few moments to calm down. He was beginning to wonder if he should leave the other boy alone for a while. Dilandau may not appreciate the intrusion, no matter how well meaning it was meant to be.

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Dilandau stormed across the room tossing his diadem on top of his dresser. That had not gone anything like he had planned. He had wanted to try and get Van alone, try to see if he could not figure out the feelings that constantly bombarded him regarding the King of Fanelia. Instead that stupid moon bitch had managed to piss him off, and now likely his do-good brother was on the way up to lecture him about his behavior.

Dropping onto his bed he tried desperately to control his raging blood. He hoped Van would come to check on him, though that would likely lead to his blood raging in a totally different manner. Dilandau didn't mind that though, he actually enjoyed it. He took a deep breath listening to the gentle patter of the rain on the balcony doors.

Every nerve in his body seemed to become aware all at once. With deft precision he spun off the bed moments before the scorpion like tale landed. He reached beside the dresser where the sword Van had given him had been placed. Reaching for the hilt he cursed loudly realizing the sheath was empty. He probably had Schezar to thank for that.

The lizard creature stepped into the last rays of fading daylight, its tongue flicking in and out as it approached him, eyeing the empty sheath. Dilandau watched as the creature postured itself, a sickening feeling coming over him. The creature was using one of his techniques. He feinted to the left dashing to the right, barley dodging the poisoned tail as the creature matched him move for move.

Damned madoushi. Somehow they had been able to program this monster with all his techniques.

He feigned to the left again, this time rolling out to the left. The creature had not expected that and Dilandau mentally thanked Van, it had been his move. Putting all his weight into the strike he slammed the sheath against the tail, gratified when he heard the cracking of bone. The lizardling spun around, slamming the back of its hand against Dilandau's chest, sending him flying into his dresser.

There was a brief moment when Dilandau couldn't tell which way was what, but experience as a melef pilot grabbed hold, balancing out his equilibrium as he toppled backwards with the dresser. He rolled off to the side hearing the tinkling sound of his diadem hitting the hardwood floor. There was a sudden pressure wrapping around his neck as he was lifted off the ground. Huge yellow eyes looked at him as his hands came protectively up to his throat, his body going limp to protect his airway. What air was in his lungs were forced out as his back was slammed against the wall.

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Van turned to Allen a look of fear crossing his face as he bolted up the last few steps. He hit Dilandau's door, swearing vehemently was it stopped after only opening a few hand widths. Van could see the gold diadem on the floor. In an instant his insides froze. This was not Dilandau throwing a temper tantrum.

Abandoning any further attempts at the door, Van sprinted to his room grabbing his sword. He was vaguely aware of Allen trying the door between his and Dilandau's room, but Van knew that the dresser that was blocking the main door would also block that one. The sound of shattering glass cut through the air was Van rushed to the balcony. He turned the handle on the door swearing again as he saw the outside portion of the handle had been jammed so it would not open. Without a second though, he brought the hilt of his blade against the glass shattering it. Sliding threw the opening his heart pounded in his chest as the creature made its flight from the castle, Dilandau hanging limp in his arms.

Instinct and emotion took over as his wings burst forth shredding his shirt as he dove off the balcony. He fought through the air currents as rain flew into his face. Determination and fear fueled his wings as he pressed them to beat more powerfully to overtake the lizard creature, to get to Dilandau. His breath hitched as he got close enough to see Dilandau trying to shake off the darkness of unconsciousness.

Anger, rage, fury, these things pushed the darkness away as he became aware of his situation. Dilandau was not going to let this thing carry him off without a fight. He shook his head trying to get his mind to function properly. Likely he could get the thing to drop him, but the fall to the ground would be fatal from this height. He needed to get the creature to land. Looking the creature over, the thin layer of skin stretched across the bat like wings caught his eye, Dilandau smiled. Using the creatures own body for leverage he pushed himself up so he could drag the buckle on his boot across the thin membrane, slicing threw it.

The creature screamed in pain as dropped towards the ground…much faster than Dilandau had planned. The remains of burned out building and new construction loomed into view as the lizard careened out of control. Dilandau slammed his elbow up under the its arm gouging into the tender area. The restraint around him gave under the attack, earning him his freedom. He pushed away from the creature's falling body rolling as he hit the ground. Pain shot threw his arm as he tumbled through the mud.

Stumbling to his feet he wiped mud from his eyes. He gritted his teeth against the pain as he looked for a weapon. The lizard had landed a few feet away and was already on its feet advancing towards him. He wasn't going to have time, not before the creature attack. He ready himself as best he could, letting his broken right arm hang limp at his side.

A flurry of wings filled the air. Van charged the creature the moment his feet hit the ground, his wings dissipating in a shower of feathers. Dilandau took a ragged pain filled breath, was he watched the creature dodge Van's attack. His ruby eyes grew wide as his left hand came up to his chest, his heart seemed to explode.

There was no way it couldn't be.

Van twirled, adjusted his weight and charged again. Dilandau watched the creature sidestep the blow, his knees going weak. There was only one person he had ever known to do that counter-step. Dilandau had tried repeatedly to correct it, but had never been able to. The creature charged Van, who was now standing between them.

"Van roll to your right." The words had come out in a panic, but he had known the creatures next move.

Van had followed Dilandau's order without thought, deftly rolling away from the attack spinning around to face the creatures back. He quickly surveyed the situation looking for someway to put himself between the assailant and Dilandau. The lizardling half turned towards Van, the dim glow from near by homes lighting the monstrous face. It was then that he noticed the pulsing.

"Oh gods, oh gods." Van looked past that creature to Dilandau who looked like he was on the verge of a breakdown of some kind.

The large yellow eyes rolled over Van's sword then over the figure of the former Dragon Slayer as if it was deciding who to attack. Its head tilted towards Van, snarling at the king as it showed rows of raiser sharp teeth.

"Lavariel!" The head spun back around towards Dilandau, tipping slightly to the side as it regarded him. The long pink tongue tasted the air several times before it turned back to Van. "Lavariel!" Dilandau pulled himself up his eyes burning with an intensity Van had never seen before. The lizard creature had turned back towards Dilandau its head tipped to the side again. "What is the meaning of this Slayer?!"

Slayer? Lavariel, that name was familiar, where had Van heard it before? Images of a brunette Dragon Slayer came to mind. Van had the sudden urge to be sick. No wonder Dilandau was acting the way he was. This was one of his Dragon Slayers.

The creature took a tentative step towards Dilandau, its head cock from one side to the other, as if it was trying to decide what the boy in front of him was. Its head leaned forward exposing the back of its neck and again, Van saw the pulsing, and…

"No!" Dilandau raised his hand as though it would stop the blow. Terror ripped through him as Van's blade sliced through the back of the creature's neck, sending a stream of sticky green blood over the Fanelian King.

A look of betrayal and hatred burned across his face as he glared at Van, but the king was not looking at him, and had in fact dropped to his knees next to the creature that was now in a fit of convolutions. Dilandau watched as scales and teeth melted away, an animalistic scream fading into that of a human.

Dilandau dropped to his knees next to the shaking boy as blue eyes looked up at him. "Miguel." It was all he could manage to get around the lump in his throat as he took the hand of his slayer.

"Lord Van?"

Van looked up to see Crum and several other villagers making there way towards them with lanterns. There was a dull thud as the sword Van had been holding fell into the mud as light traversed over the body of the Slayer. There were… bugs? At least they looked like bugs, attached to his body.

"By the saints." Crum bent down next to Dilandau raising a lantern over Miguel's body. "What are those things?"

Van looked at Dilandau hoping for an answer, but the boy seemed to be in a state of shock. All he could do was stare at the face of his soldier who was, by all appearances, in a great deal of pain.

"I am not sure Crum, I think they may be created by Zaibach sorcerers."

"They look like tics, big ugly fat tics." Van couldn't tell who had made the comment but they were right, the bugs did look like tics.

"Get me some nippers," Crum ordered to a nearby villager. "My Lord we need to get him out of the cold." Van nodded, fighting off the state of shock he desperately wanted to slip into. He moved aside a Crum picked up the infected Dragon Slayer while he guided the distraught Dilandau after them.

Van was astonished by the efficiency of the villagers. Crum's wife had seen them making their way to the house and had blankets placed across the large table in their home. As soon as Crum set the boy down someone handed him the nippers to pry the beastly bugs from the Slayers body. Van found that he was being forced into a chair near by but out of the way, Dilandau falling into his lap.

Crum had placed Miguel on his stomach and removed the remains of what Van thought was the main parasite. Once he realized what the pulsing was he had been terrified that killing the bug would kill the Slayer, but he had seen no other way. The body of the tic like creature sizzled and popped in the fire as elderly woman cleaned the wound left behind.

Crum grabbed a hold of the fist size parasite at the base of the boy's spine and pulled it out with an addible pop. Another villager drove a dagger through the creature as its legs flurried in an attempt to escape. As the body was flung into the fire Dilandau let out a sob, bearing his head in Van's neck.

"What have I done Van, what have I done?" Van rub his hand up and down Dilandau's back softly shushing him as he watched another fist size bug being pulled from Miguel's body.

The shock had worn off and now Van was angry. He could not understand how someone could do this to another person. It was disgusting, sickening. He kissed Dilandau's temple, pulling the pale boy closer. His inside twisted at what the madoushi had done to these boys, to their own soldiers.

"Lord Van, would you like a cup of tea? It might help to calm the nerves." Van looked up at Crum's wife. She was a pretty lady, not beautiful, but pretty all the same. He nodded smiling appreciatively. After several moments and numerous reassurances that there were no drugs in it, Van was able to get Dilandau to drink some of the tea.

Crum had chosen to use a small pair of pliers to pull the parasites around the Slayers eyes out. Having gotten over his initial shock, Dilandau now sat cradled in Van's arms watching as each bug was pulled out. He could tell that there was some sort of resolve being made, but he was not sure what it was. Though with the way he felt at the moment if Dilandau had said he wanted to burn Zaibach to the ground, Van would have brought the torch.

Crum finally put the pliers down, wiping the back of his hand across his brow. "Nasty piece of work that."

"There is one more." Dilandau looked at Crum a tremor running through his body. "He has one on his tongue." Everyone reacted in kind, as the thought brought tremors of disgust.

Crum picked the pliers back up sticking them in the fire, then plunging them into the glass of water his wife had brought him. One of the other men opened Miguel's mouth while Crum fixed the pliers on the bug. With a quick tug the parasite was out and flung into the fire giving off a lager pop as its body exploded in the heat.

Dilandau watched his fingers lacing in and out of Van's as the two women gently wound bandages around the wounds left by the hideous parasites.

"I'm going to kill them Van. I'm going to kill them all."

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Thank you very much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Please reviews are most appreciated and welcome.

A/U: I really didn't want to stop there but at the rate I was going… Anyway, I hope it wasn't to long, and now Dilandau has one of his Slayers back . Course now I have to explain that .