Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Illusions ❯ Pure Sin ( Chapter 6 )

Shattered Illusions

by Lady Dragonphire

Disclaimer:  FAKE and its characters are the property of Sanami Matoh.

Warning: Disturbingly Dark Content - Angst, Language, Beating, Torture, Violation (not rape). This is an extremely dark chapter. Please do not read if you are overly sensitive to graphic descriptions of these topics. You have been warned…

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Chapter 6. Pure Sin

Ryo walked back to the campsite with a heavy heart, pondering the revelations of his second visit to the castle and thinking about his last moments with Dee. From talking to Dee, Ryo had discovered that underneath his brash and courageous exterior rested a heart of gold. Ryo now knew how much the kingdom needed the fearless leadership and guidance that only Dee could provide. Ryo firmly decided to plead Dee's case to Rose. It was the least he could do for someone who had shown him kindness and mercy, and perhaps something deeper as well. Ryo shook his head and banished this train of thought. No, now was not the time to bring the newly surfaced emotions that Dee had awakened in him into play. He would think about Dee's sincere confession of the heart later. Now he had to concentrate fully on the task at hand. Dee's life depended on his choice of words.

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"What's that - oh, your family crest?" Diana asked casually as she took Rose's large hand in her own and sensually traced the pattern that was engraved on the new ring that adorned Rose's finger. A single blood ruby stone was set into the gold band underneath the impressive carving of the distinctive gold outline of a rose that was raised slightly above the stone. She lounged lazily against him, bringing his hand up so that the ring glittered in the sunlight.

"Yes. You know it well. It is recognized by enemies and allies alike as a symbol of my power," Rose intoned, smiling down at her as he got up from the bed and put on his armor, Diana following suit. "That, my dear, will become the new royal insignia when I am king. It should not be long now. We only have to wait for Ryo's return to confirm Dee's death," Rose said maliciously as he took her hand in his and led her outside into the streaming sunlight that signified a new morning.

As they exited the tent, they were just in time to see Ryo emerge from the dense foliage and walk wearily towards his tent. A worried look graced his handsome features and his dark eyes held a haunted aura within their depths. He had thought long and hard on his return journey about what he was going to say to Rose, and he still had not come up with any surefire ways to convince the man of Dee's innocence. Once Rose had his mind made up, it was difficult, if not impossible, to change it. Still, Ryo knew that he had to do what felt right to his heart.

"Ah, so you have finally returned," Rose said with contempt as he sauntered up to Ryo confidently. Diana, the stunning beauty, was leisurely draped on his arm. She was a convenient reminder of what wealth and fame had accomplished for Rose to all the warriors at the campsite. They admired and coveted Rose's position of power and the privileges that came with it.

"Yes, the mission is over," Ryo said quietly, his soft midnight eyes looking up to meet Rose's icy blue gaze before he turned away and proceeded towards his tent.

"Good," Rose said with a satisfied smile on his face. "Come with me and tell me the details of the mission. I have a handsome reward for you," he purred, ignoring Diana's suspicious frown at him.

"Please, sir, I am weary from my travels. I will talk to you later. I must rest first," Ryo entreated with downcast eyes as he turned again to approach his tent.

"No, we will talk now," Rose commanded angrily as he narrowed his eyes and turned to grab Ryo by the shoulder. His fingers missed and snagged on the material of Ryo's assassin's outfit instead. Desperate to restrain the retreating honey-blond, Rose roughly pulled at the material and caught Ryo off-balance, whirling him around and ripping the material in the process. Rose stood there in shock and Diana gasped as Ryo's neck and one side of his chest were exposed to their eyes, revealing the bruised flesh of the lovebite that Dee had so ardently bestowed upon him in expressing his passionate desires for the shy man the night before. Ryo stood there stunned, placing one hand over his uncovered skin and reeling as though he had been dealt a blow. Never before had his superior been so physically intimidating as Rose moved threateningly closer to him, seeming to tower over Ryo. Rose's brows furrowed menacingly as his face contorted into an expression of silent fury. Ryo trembled as Rose dealt him a sudden backhanded blow across his angelic face that made his weary body collapse onto the ground. Ryo's hands flew to his face, covering his cheek that was now throbbing painfully. "You fucking slut! How dare you lie to me?! I see that you have failed me again!" Rose bellowed, barely restraining himself from strangling the dazed honey-blond. Leaning down so that he was right next to Ryo's lowered head, he hissed into his ear, "Now I know why. Did you moan his name as he fucked you? Did you like it, you little whore? Answer me!" he yelled warningly as he kicked Ryo hard in the stomach. Ryo whimpered and doubled over in pain, his head spinning as he tried to focus on Rose's accusations. "You couldn't get enough the first time, huh? No, you had to humiliate me once again and satisfy your own selfish needs for pleasure by returning! Well, I hope that it was worth it, because that's the last time that you'll ever see him again," Rose vowed bitterly. With that, he pulled Ryo up by his hair and slapped his face harshly again, rendering him unconscious. "What does he have that I don't?" he questioned softly as he picked up Ryo's limp body and carried him into the tent behind his, the tent where only he, Diana, and offending members of his laws were allowed to enter.

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Ryo opened his eyes, blinking questioningly into the semi-darkness as his vision slowly came into focus and he became aware of his surroundings. His head throbbed painfully and his face hurt, indicating the presence of the bruises that were already forming from Rose's punishing assault. He felt deft fingers ghosting over his wrists from where his body was suspended and he glanced down to see Diana moving around him. Ryo tried to move, but found it to be impossible as he now realized that he was in the process of being bound. His body, weakened by Rose's attack, could not even fathom responding to the danger of the situation that his mind was registering.

Diana finished fastening Ryo's wrists together with the chains that were draped over a horizontal metal pole that was supporting his body weight since he had been unable to stand while unconscious. She secured his ankles as well with metal shackles and placed the key on a table just out of Ryo's reach. "I'm sorry - Rose's orders," she said softly, unable to meet his eyes. Ryo was naked except for a small piece of cloth that tied around his trim waist, barely concealing him. He felt vulnerable and exposed, but in no way regretted what he had done to be in the position that he was in now. He had followed his heart. He knew now that whatever he said wouldn't matter to Rose, but he still had to try to convince Diana that Dee did not deserve to die. It was the least he could do for Dee.

"It's okay," Ryo whispered, although his face was flushed in shame from his current state of undress and helplessness. "It's not your fault. Please try to see what an evil man Rose truly is. He's only using you too, just like he did me. He doesn't care about me or you or what becomes of us. Dee is not a bad person. He is a king who rules fairly and justly, considered a savior by his people. He does not deserve to die. Rose must be stopped at whatever cost," Ryo implored.

Ryo unexpectedly felt a sharp stinging pain as Diana slapped him across his face. Registering a twinge of the metallic taste of blood on his lower lip, Ryo looked demurely into her flashing eyes as she raised her voice in anger. "Do not ever speak of him like that again! I trust his judgment. Just because you were so easily swayed by Dee's charms does not mean that what he is doing is right. Rose has told me his true nature and will consequently conquer his kingdom at all costs, crushing all foes that oppose him. I know that what he is doing is right. I will stand by his side no matter what because I LOVE him," she said defiantly, glaring at the man rendered helpless before her.

Ryo sighed in defeat. He knew that he was fighting a losing battle. Love was powerful and it could blind even the most intelligent people from the truth. He lowered his head sadly, feeling sorry for Diana. She was not a bad person. She was just mislead by Rose's cunningly crafted lies of deceit, as he once had been.

Like Ryo, she had felt gratitude towards the blonde warlord. Rose had taken her in and rescued her from the life of prostitution that she had been leading. Rose had noticed the mistress of seduction's fierce gaze and unbreakable spirit despite all of the hardships that she had encountered. One night he had visited the brothel to find that Diana had killed her cruel master, standing over him holding a dagger with a wicked smile playing over her lips. She had taken her vengeance. He knew then that he had to have her by his side. Diana, in turn, could not refuse the handsome warlord whose ambitions had matched her own.

Diana stalked off in a huff, pausing to smile at Rose and lay a quick kiss to his cheek as he sauntered into the tent, whip in hand. "Well, well, well. I see that the little lost sheep has finally decided to return to his flock," Rose taunted derisively, walking over to Ryo and ripping off the cloth that covered his lower body. Ryo's face flushed in shame and he lowered his head, averting his eyes from Rose's cruel glittering stare. Seeing the streak of blood that adorned the corner of Ryo's mouth, Rose extended his serpent tongue and licked it off, causing Ryo to shudder and vainly try to move his head away. Rose chuckled softly as he moved back slightly and continued. "So, are the rumors true? Is the legendary king as good in bed as everyone says he is? I'd ask you how he measures up to me, but you never gave me the chance to fuck you for comparison," he spat bitterly.

"No, it's not like that. I didn't sleep with him," Ryo pleaded desperately in his and Dee's defense, finally daring to meet Rose's cold penetrating eyes.

"Don't lie to me, Ryo. Did you immediately throw yourself at him like a drunken whore or did you bat your eyelashes first like the little slut that you are?" Rose seethed as he traced the bruised mark on the juncture between Ryo's neck and collarbone that Dee had so lovingly bestowed upon him in the throes of expressing his passion. Dee's comforting presence was but a distant memory to Ryo now as Rose continued his verbal assault. "You let him tarnish you willingly! Why didn't you kill him when you had the chance? Then you would not be forced to endure this unnecessary hardship that I must so regretfully impart on your beautiful body," Rose admonished him.

"I couldn't bring myself to kill him. There was just something about him that was different from any of my other targets. He doesn't have the eyes of a killer. If you had been there, you'd understand. My parents were killed before Dee even came to power. You have the wrong man. Dee did not kill them. Dee has never killed anyone in cold blood. You have to believe me," Ryo entreated.

"Oh and why would I believe someone who has fallen victim to the enemy's words? Dee was only using you in an attempt to defeat me. I tried to tell you, Ryo, but you didn't heed my warning. Now you must pay for that mistake. I made you and I can break you. Those who cross me will not go unpunished," Rose threatened as he raised the whip under Ryo's chin and tilted his face up. Ryo struggled valiantly against the chains that bound him, but Diana had done too good a job of securing them.

Ryo glared at Rose coldly and spat at him in disgust. "Go ahead - do whatever you want to me. It still won't change how I feel about Dee. I refuse to kill him," he said boldly.

Seeing the look of defiance present in the gorgeous honey-blond's deep eyes, Rose relented slightly. He would prolong this man's agony and ultimately break him in both body and spirit, presenting him with an offer that he could not refuse but would be hesitant to accept nonetheless. He smiled triumphantly and continued, "However, I am a reasonable man. I like you, Ryo. Very much. You have served me well. I will give you a choice - pleasure or pain. It's up to you. Either way, I will derive enjoyment from it in the end." He moved his face closer to Ryo's and pressed his imposing frame against Ryo's body, causing Ryo to flinch. "Make your choice."

"What do the choices entail?" Ryo asked suspiciously, narrowing his eyes. He had a feeling that he would have to choose the lesser of two evils. Rose was not known for showing his victims any mercy.

"Well, you can either allow me to fuck your sweet ass or you can be whipped and beaten until you no longer have the strength to stand. Consider it a gauntlet. If you survive through either one, then you are free to go. Oh, and either way, the chains stay on," Rose said matter-of-factly, cracking the whip in the air while running his hand over Ryo's hip to roughly caress and squeeze his backside, hinting of what he had to offer him. Ever since he had taken Ryo in, he had always lusted after the shy beauty. Even when he was with Diana, he had fantasized that he was driving into Ryo's glorious body, and had almost gone to his tent late at night to have his way with him on a few occasions, despite the honey-blond's obvious distaste for him.

"I will never let you take me," Ryo whispered quietly in defiance, his midnight eyes blazing with a renewed fury. He knew then that he had sealed his fate, but he had nothing to live for. If he could not be with the one man who had melted the walls of his heart with his kindness, then he was better off dead rather than shielding his heart from emotion again and living a lie.

Rose narrowed his icy blue eyes and pulled Ryo close to him, one hand around his waist and the other one clutching the back of his head. He fiercely captured Ryo's lips with his own and pushed his harsh tongue past Ryo's lips, raping his mouth. "Nnnnnhhhh," Ryo protested, squirming in Rose's iron grasp and trying frantically to stop the unwelcome violation. Rose only clutched Ryo's firm ass tighter and pressed his body into Ryo's, letting him feel his straining arousal. Finally breaking the kiss for air, Rose pulled away and was pleased to see unmistakable fear in Ryo's dark eyes and angry red marks from his hand surfacing on Ryo's neck. He backed away and began to run his hands roughly over Ryo's lithe body, reveling in the fact that he could finally satiate his forbidden desires and desecrate Ryo's very soul.

Ryo squirmed in revulsion and disgust at the feel of Rose's intruding possessive hands that roamed all over his body, touching him everywhere and lingering in the most intimate of places. As Rose's hands found their way down his body to roughly caress the tender flesh that hung between the apex of his thighs, Ryo turned his head and closed his dark eyes, willing the disturbing contact to end. "Please stop," he desperately implored. Rose's only response was to squeeze him harder, tightening his grasp on the most sensitive part of Ryo. "Uuuhh!" Ryo gasped in pain as tears welled up in his beautiful eyes.

Rose's sinister eyes were devoid of all emotion as he looked at Ryo and maliciously spat out harsh accusations at the helpless honey-blond as he moved threateningly in back of him, breathing hotly down his neck. Ryo did not know what Rose would do to him next as his vision was impeded. The shackles that bound him did not allow him to turn his head to see behind him. "Traitor! Do you take me for a fool? You insolent whore! After all I've done for you? I've taken you in and given you food and shelter, and how do you repay me? By allying with a known enemy and plotting against me. Did you think that I wouldn't find out? How long did you think that you could keep up this masquerade of deception?" Rose bellowed fiercely as he backed away from Ryo and ran the length of his whip between his hand, letting its smooth texture slide through his fingers.

Rose raised the whip above his head and cracked it against Ryo's bare back again and again in frustration and hatred, causing Ryo to cry out in pain and anguish with each strike. Rose had always been able to get anything he desired, until he had met Ryo. He was determined to make Ryo pay the ultimate price for his defiance. The searing pain bit deep into the disobedient assassin's flesh as his infuriated superior continued to whip him. Even in this dark hour, Ryo still would not give in to him and admit that he had been wrong about Dee.

Silent tears ran down Ryo's cheeks as he seemed to beg for his life with his expressive eyes, although he knew that his plea was in vain. No one could help him now. The instrument of destruction carved its bitter venom of evil into his smooth flesh with a biting fury and lashed against his back relentlessly. Crimson rivers of blood appeared in erratic patterns on his back and dripped down to puddle underneath him as Rose continued to beat and taunt him. Ryo's body hung limp as his legs suddenly gave out, unable to support his own weight, from the bombarding sensations of pain that resonated throughout every fiber of his being.

Ryo steeled himself against the inevitable pain that accompanied each lash of the whip as it was brought against his body. His deep liquid eyes centered on the single candle that provided the only source of light in the forbidding room. The flickering candlelight danced off the canvas walls and illuminated the room in an eerie glow, projecting distorted shadows behind Ryo that only heightened his fear of not knowing where or when Rose was going to strike next. He pushed these thoughts out of his mind. He could not let Rose win. He would not give the man the satisfaction of seeing him crumble, knowing that he was the one to finally break him and shatter his iron will.

Ryo focused on the candle, its inviting flame beckoning him to a place that spoke of no pain. Ryo became numb to the physical pain of his body and concentrated on expanding his mind, visualizing pleasant thoughts that spoke of a time and place far away from where he was. The pain subsided as his mind transcended the limitations of all physical barriers. Ryo remembered his parents, a fleeting memory of happier times long past in this world filled with hardship. He remembered their loving embrace and the times that they had comforted him with the thought that they would always have each other, no matter if even the whole world was against them.

The only other person in his life who had shown comparable kindness and affection towards him was the charismatic ebony-haired king, Dee. He pictured Dee's smoldering emerald eyes that revealed the depths of his soul, his silky raven hair that fell so carelessly across his handsome face, and his seductively charming smile that caused Ryo to go weak-kneed if he was captivated for too long under its enchanting spell. He would get through this ordeal for himself and for Dee. He had come to the realization that he cared for Dee very much, and Ryo would be damned if he would let Rose deprive him of letting him tell the other man his feelings and listen to how Dee felt about him in turn. No, Ryo relented, he already knew how Dee felt about him. He had been unwilling to admit it to himself before, but he now knew that Dee's attraction to him was different from Rose's, possibly more than just lust. No matter how Rose tried to break him, he would not succeed as long as Ryo clung onto the hope that Dee possibly loved him and would be waiting for his return. In that instant, Ryo vowed that if he survived Rose's gauntlet, he would go back to stay with Dee, if the raven-haired man would still have him. A small smile of hope flitted across his lips, replacing his previous look of fear and despair.

Suddenly, Ryo was jolted out of his pleasant thoughts as Rose slapped him once more across his beautiful face, causing another bruise to form on his wounded cheek. Ryo focused his dark eyes on the man now standing before him as Rose spoke. "Are you even paying attention to me?" he shouted in a voice dripping with venom as he moved closer to the candle and picked up a pair of tongs lying on the ground. "You deceiving little slut! You are such a fucking tease, Ryo! Well, I'll show you. If you survive this, you can go crawling back to your new master. Then every time Dee fucks you, he will see this as a remembrance of who you really belong to," Rose hissed as he held his ring over the flame of the candle with the tongs, twirling them with malicious intent in his cold eyes.

The metal seemed to glow with the tangible white-hot fire of his fury as he moved closer to Ryo and held the ring in front of Ryo's eyes. "Look at the pattern on this ring and remember it well. This is the symbol that will signify my reign and all who serve me or belong to me will be remembered by it. You can never escape me, Ryo," he growled possessively as he lowered the gleaming ring towards Ryo's body where his inner thigh met his hip.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Ryo asked fearfully as his dark eyes widened, trying desperately to move away from the heat that the ring emanated against his body and desperately clawing at his restraints. His heart pounded against the walls of his chest in a deafening rhythm and he trembled despite knowing that Rose's punishment was inevitable.

"Marking what belongs to me," Rose hissed triumphantly as he pushed the hot metal against Ryo's sensitive flesh, the scorching pain igniting every nerve ending as the instrument of destruction sizzled excruciatingly deep into his skin. A plaintive whimper escaped Ryo's lips that turned into a full-fledged scream of pain as the ring continued to lick away at his tender flesh, forever branding him with its wicked symbol. He writhed in agony as tears streamed down his face and he recoiled to the limits of his chains as Rose pried the ring from his scorched flesh and smiled in satisfaction at the mark that stood out brazenly against his tender raw skin that was now swelling from irritation.

Ryo hung his head in disgrace. The symbol of his betrayal would be forever etched onto his body for anyone to see, especially if they were involved with him intimately. His body had been marked like a piece of property, forever binding him to his past allegiance with the murderous Rose. How could he move forward with his life when he was reminded of his past transgressions every time he looked into the mirror? How could anyone love him now that he was tainted with shame? He had been dishonored, his battered body forever carrying the scars of his past no matter how noble his intentions had been. He had no place to go. No one would take him in now, knowing that he was allied with a known enemy of the king. Shattered and desecrated, for the first time in his life Ryo gave into despair and relinquished his will to live.

As the defiance slowly drained from Ryo's broken body, Rose raised his hand and backhanded him across the face once again. Ryo did not even move or cry out as he felt Rose pummel his chest and abdomen with his iron fists, causing ugly bruises to form beneath his flesh. His deep midnight eyes, once so full of life and hope, were glazed over with a dull resignation of one who has accepted his destiny in the tapestry that fate had woven for him and is powerless to change it. `I'm sorry Dee,' Ryo thought ruefully. `I've failed you. I was not worthy of your affections. Please live your life in a way you can be proud of, like you always have. It's better this way if you find another to rule by your side. I would only cause you unnecessary hardships, complications, and grief.' Ryo hung his head in despair and shame as he closed his eyes, attempting to shut out the pain that burned his very soul.

Rose surveyed Ryo's state of surrender with satisfaction. The honey-blond had paid the ultimate price for his defiance. The shackles that bound Ryo were his body's only support, the once-determined assassin now consumed by his feelings of worthlessness as he hung unmoving from his chains. Rose quickly walked over to Ryo, putting his hand under Ryo's chin and tilting his face up, the candlelight wavering in protest at the sudden breeze created from his swift movements. Shadows fell across Ryo's tear-streaked face as Rose's taller frame stood over him and studied him with pity. "So beautiful," Rose murmured regretfully as he let Ryo's chin drop before walking away. "You should have chosen pleasure."

With that, he picked up the whip and tongs and tossed them into a corner as he surveyed Ryo's battered and bruised body, the man barely conscious as Diana came in to unlock the shackles that bound his wrists and ankles before latching onto Rose's proffered arm. Rose and Diana sauntered away without a backwards glance.

Free from his restraints at last, Ryo collapsed onto the floor writhing in agony as he struggled to force air into his lungs, every breath compelling his chest to expand and constrict painfully as rivers of blood seeped from his numerous wounds and ran over his sweat-soaked skin. "I'm so sorry, Dee," he breathed softly as he fought to remain conscious, trembling and wrapping his arms around himself in a protective instinct, his body and spirit wavering on the delicate balance of the precipice between life and death as he resignedly settled on his side on the cold hard ground and closed his dark eyelashes over his beautiful eyes. He had nothing left to live for.

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Rose and Diana entered their tent arm in arm. Diana lit a candle on the table where Rose's maps and battle plans were, illuminating the room in a soft inviting glow. Rose collapsed onto the bed and put his hands over his face, sighing wearily as he sank against the pillows.

"What's wrong?" Diana ventured hesitantly, knowing that the warlord's volatile temper could lead to sudden unpredictable outbursts. She did not want to invoke his wrath after she had just witnessed his methods of dealing with those who dared to defy him.

"Nothing, Dee Dee," Rose said, sitting up and offering her a troubled smile. "Such troublesome matters should not spoil the thrill of crushing an enemy within our midst." Seeing the frown that spread across her pretty face, Rose relented withholding what was troubling him. "I was just contemplating what to do with the body of the traitor. Perhaps if we sent it to Dee, it might draw him into battle. I feel that the army is at last ready to hold their own against his soldiers in a direct confrontation. Victory will be ours at last. I can almost taste it," Rose practically salivated.

A sudden flicker of realization crossed his face and his brow furrowed in annoyance as he remarked, "However, there is one small matter that I must attend to before proceeding with my strategy. I want to crush Dee completely. The only way to do that is to destroy everything that he values in his life before finally ending his miserable existence. I'll attack from all angles. I must exploit his weaknesses and render him defenseless in mind and body. Yes, I will send his beloved Ryo's body to him. If he lets his emotions get the better of him, he will be unable to concentrate in battle and will surely ruin all chances of victory that his army may have had."

"I'd like to help you. If there's anything that you'd like me to do, all you have to do is ask," Diana purred, laying down on the bed beside Rose and stretching her long legs sensually.

Rose noticed her gesture with an appreciative gaze as his eyes lit up. She was playing right into his hand. "Do what you do best - seduce him," Rose commanded. "Weaken his body's defenses. Destroy his every last vestige until the powerful king and his legacy are reduced to no more than a whisper of a memory. Send Dee to hell. Do this and I will make you my Queen to rule by my side when I become King."

"I will not fail you, my Lord," Diana vowed, her eyes sparkling with delight at the challenge as she changed into traveling clothes. She picked up a dagger, a vial of poison, and her assassin's apparel, putting them into a sack which she slung over her shoulder.

Diana knew that if she were to successfully complete this mission, she would exclusively belong to Rose at last. It was everything she'd always wanted. The only obstacle that stood between her and the realization of her life's ambitions and desires was one man - Dee. This was almost too easy. No man was immune to her charms. She could not possibly fail. With a triumphant smile, she pressed her soft lips against Rose's with devotion and exited the tent. "For us," she pledged in parting, turning to set off on her journey that would quite possibly decide the fate of a kingdom.

Rose watched Diana go, the tent flap closing silently behind her. He blew out the candle and retreated to his bed, closing his emotionless blue eyes and settling under the covers. The last words that escaped his lips before he fell asleep reflected no remorse concerning his manipulation of others. "No Diana, for me."

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Ryo's obsidian eyes flew open and ignited with a blazing fire as he desperately willed his prone body to move. However, the physical pain of his injuries made this feat impossible as he raised himself up slightly and then collapsed onto the hard surface of the dirt floor. He had heard every word that passed between Rose and Diana while he was drifting in and out of consciousness. It may have been a delusion, but Ryo wasn't about to take any chances. How could he have been so foolish as to think that Rose would give up that easily after he had defied the warlord? Rose wanted Dee dead at all costs, no matter whose life he had to sacrifice.

"Dee," Ryo murmured softly, his throat parched and raw from the agony of his torment. His body hurt so much, more than he could have ever imagined someone could endure and still be alive. He crawled forward an inch, his hand flexing in an attempt to grasp onto anything and drag his body along as his stomach and chest scraped along the rough ground, amplifying his anguish. Ryo gritted his teeth and winced as another wave of pain shot through his battered body. Just a little more, he told himself. He had to keep pushing on, for if he gave up even for an instant, he knew that he would never have the strength to continue.

One thought drove his entire being forward, his firm resolve forcing his mind to compel his body to continually defy all physical protests. Dee needed him, and he needed Dee, no matter how desecrated he was. In the instant that the light from Rose's tent had been extinguished, Ryo had found a new will to live. "Dee, I have to see you one last time. I need to warn you. Oh God, I hope I'm not too late," Ryo whispered fervently as he slowly pushed himself forward despite the sensations of overwhelming pain coursing throughout his entire body.

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