Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Illusions ❯ The Reckoning , Part I ( Chapter 9 )

FAKE

Shattered Illusions 

by Lady Dragonphire

Summary: When Ryo, a vengeful assassin, is sent to kill Dee, the sovereign of a kingdom, can they discover love amongst the driving forces that rule their hearts?

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

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Chapter 9. The Reckoning, Part I

 

Rose was deep in thought as he polished his armor, his hands moving methodically over the steel until it gleamed, his eyes cold and calculating. His army was restless. There was talk of the inevitable upcoming battle, and the soldiers had started to hold fighting tournaments amongst themselves to satiate their bloodlust and rise in the ranks. Rose stood and sharpened his sword against a stone, satisfied that it would serve him well against the king's army. A rustling of tent flap interrupted his musings and the warlord looked up with piercing blue eyes at the man who entered his tent. “Yes, soldier?” Rose inquired.

 

“Sir, the men want to know when we march on Dee's kingdom. It is impractical to wait any longer. We have heard rumors that Dee knows our whereabouts and that it is only a matter of time now until he draws us out,” the officer said with a slight cringe. It was always a gamble when addressing Rose, depending what the man's mood was.

 

“No, we do nothing yet,” Rose said definitively. “I am waiting to hear from Diana. We will not abandon her. She is our best internal source of information about Dee and his army. I need to know everything about what we're up against before we attack, otherwise victory will not be so swift. Wait for my command to march. It will not be long now.”

 

The soldier bowed and turned to leave the tent, but paused as Rose called out, “Wait. Have we any news on whether Dee has received the body of the assassin Ryo yet?”

 

The man gulped nervously and looked down at the dirt ground, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “Ryo's body is missing,” he admitted quietly.

 

“What!? Incompetent fool! How did that happen? You mean to tell me that a dead man just walked away? Find him. Search the entire camp if you must, but bring Ryo's body to me. It is vital that we have this card to play if we are to upset Dee enough to turn the tide of battle in our favor. Now leave my sight and do not return until you find the body,” Rose commanded.

 

“Sir,” another soldier gasped as he ran into the tent, flushed and breathless. “There's an army headed this way. It may be Dee's. What are we to do?”

 

Rose's eyes flashed and he pursed his lips into a thin line, feeling a surge of anticipation rush through him. “We wait for them to enter the camp. That will be their first mistake. Rally the troops; prepare for battle.”

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Ryo rode in melancholy silence, his dark eyes focused on the path ahead as he mentally prepared himself for their final encounter with his superior. The outcome of the battle today would play a part in the fate of everyone involved, with no guarantee for success on either side. No one knew what the future held for them. As Ryo absentmindedly adjusted the sheath of arrows and bow slung across his back, he wondered what would become of his and Dee's relationship after he discovered the identity of his parents' murderer and would have to depart the palace until he had brought the murderer to justice. The shy assassin had not yet found an opportunity to let Dee know how he felt about him, but he was determined to tell him before he had to leave Dee. With this thought in mind, Ryo sat up straighter in the saddle, the sun occasionally breaking through the trees and highlighting beautiful golden glints in his hair as his horse plodded steadily through the forest. After his trip to the hot springs with Dee yesterday, his body felt better than ever and he was able to walk without the help of his staff this morning.

 

“Ryo, are you doing okay?” a soft voice asked from beside him. Ryo blinked, startled, and turned to see that the regal sovereign was now riding next to him on the path, his deep green eyes gazing at Ryo as Dee studied him intently. The strong raven-haired warrior was imposingly dressed in his newly fashioned battle armor that was identical to the attire that Rose's soldiers wore. Gauntlets protected his forearms, and a dark hooded cloak flowed behind him that concealed a sword sheathed at his side.

 

“Yes Dee, I'm fine. I'm just thinking about things,” Ryo said with a shy smile.

 

“Don't worry; if everything goes according to plan, we should have a swift victory,” Dee said reassuringly, taking Ryo's earlier distressed features to indicate worry about the battle that lay ahead of them. He reached over and took Ryo's hand in his own, gently stroking the flesh with his thumb as he gave Ryo a charming smile and looked deep into his beautiful dark eyes. “When all of this is over, my earlier offer still stands. I want you to live in the palace with me,” Dee continued. “I know that you are free to do as you will, but please consider it. It would mean a lot to me if you would stay by my side.”

 

Ryo gasped softly. Dee was so sincere in his devotion to him, the unfathomable depths of his deep green eyes reflecting the emotions residing in his heart. It was not fair to keep his feelings hidden from Dee any longer. “Dee, please, there is something that I must tell you first,” Ryo said, his voice wavering a little as he saw the concern surfacing in Dee's handsome features. Dee silently encouraged him to continue as he gently squeezed Ryo's hand. “I-I…,” Ryo faltered, blushing deeply and lowering his eyes as he took a deep breath.

 

Just then, a shout drifted back to them and an armed soldier on horseback approached Dee, bowing slightly. “Your Majesty, Rose's camp has been spotted up ahead. The army awaits your command as to how we should proceed.”

 

“Secure the horses and set up camp. Make sure that the first battalion is ready to fight when I give the signal. The second battalion is to wait behind as reinforcements and only join in the fight if necessary, after Rose's army grows weary from battle. I want Rose to underestimate the number of soldiers in our ranks. Ryo and I go alone from here. If there's no signal and we're not back by sundown, storm the camp,” Dee replied authoritatively. The soldier bowed and departed, calling out orders to the men as he approached the front of the ranks.

 

Dee turned to face Ryo, the blood pumping powerfully through his veins in anticipation of the upcoming battle. “No matter what happens today, I will always love you, Ryo,” Dee whispered heatedly before releasing Ryo's hand and commanding his horse forward, Ryo following swiftly behind after a moment, his heart beating strongly within his chest.

 

Dee and Ryo rode to the borders of Rose's camp and dismounted, Dee sending the horses back to his men with a firm command and an encouraging slap on their backsides as Ryo held the reins of a third horse that they had brought with them. Ryo soothingly patted the horse which he had previously taken from one of Rose's soldiers and made sure that the bundle draped across its back was secure before turning to face Dee.

 

“Are you ready?” Dee asked softly, moving to stand in front of Ryo and tracing his fingertips over Ryo's fair cheeks.

 

“Yes,” Ryo whispered, blushing shyly. “I can do this, as long as you are beside me, Dee.” An aura of courage and strength seemed to emanate from Dee, and Ryo derived confidence from it, knowing that Dee would be with him throughout the emotional confrontation with his superior.

 

“I believe in you, Ryo. We will defeat him… together.” Dee leaned down and brushed his lips against Ryo's, passionately caressing the supple flesh as he closed his emerald eyes and pressed Ryo's lithe body tightly against him.

 

“Together,” Ryo whispered against Dee's lips before kissing him back softly. Dee shivered in pleasure as Ryo broke the tender kiss, realizing that this was the first time that Ryo had ever kissed him of his own accord. The kiss was gentle and sweet, but subtly laced with a passionate undercurrent that thrilled Dee.

 

Dee looked deep into Ryo's eyes and winked before releasing him, causing his beautiful Ryo to blush heatedly. “Now the ruse begins,” Dee whispered. The raven-haired warrior pulled up the hood of his cloak so that it shielded his eyes and faced Ryo, drawing his sword and pressing it against the assassin's sensitive throat as they walked into the campsite together.

 

Ryo held his head high and steeled his jaw with determination as he grasped the horse's reins tighter. Dee stood tall and proud, a reassuring air surrounding him as they walked further into enemy territory. Some of Rose's men who were gathered around a campfire turned to appraise the intruders, smirking in satisfaction when they noticed that Ryo was a prisoner and that Rose was not there to protect him. “Well, well, well. What have we here, boys? It looks as if Rose's harlot has returned,” a brash soldier said condescendingly as he approached the pair, his weapon drawn and his steely gray eyes never leaving Ryo's body. A few more soldiers perked up in interest as they assessed the beautiful Ryo, his wounds masked by the peasant garb that he wore, a loose-fitting cream-colored shirt and brown pants.

 

Another soldier walked towards Ryo, a predatory smile playing over his lips as he spoke. “We thought he had killed you, but I can see that you're very much alive. I should have known; Rose isn't into necrophilia, and your body is ripe for conquest.” Ryo shifted uncomfortably and lowered his dark eyes, but kept walking towards the direction of Rose's tent as he felt Dee prod him with his sword. The man turned now to address Dee, the gleam in his eyes showing unmistakable lust. “Why don't you let us have some fun with him for awhile? You can return him to Rose after we've taken our pleasure with him. You can even join in if you're `up' for it.” He moved closer to Ryo, practically salivating at the prospect.

 

Dee stepped forward, putting himself between Ryo and the men and speaking in a firm voice as he brandished his sword menacingly. “No, I am to deliver him to Rose unharmed. You cross me, you cross Rose, and I am ordered to show no mercy,” Dee growled. A fire burned behind his deep green eyes that held a formidable intensity.

 

The men seemed to consider Dee's words for a moment before retreating. The tall soldier who guarded Ryo was certainly capable of carrying out his threat. Ryo sighed softly in relief. He had been afraid that Dee might blow their cover when the men had started taunting him, but was glad that Dee had kept up his guise as Rose's subservient.

 

“What's all this fighting about? We are in the midst of preparing for a battle,” a strong voice thundered throughout the clearing. Berkley Rose strode towards the gathering of men in full battle armor, an angry glare on his stern features. His cold blue eyes took in Ryo standing before him, and he managed to mask his surprise long enough to turn to his men and command, “Leave us!” The soldiers knew not to challenge him as they quickly hurried away.

 

Rose turned to Ryo, walking towards him but addressing Dee, once again holding the sword against Ryo's throat. “Thank you for returning what is mine. You are dismissed, soldier.” Dee walked to the edge of the forest but did not leave, a silent sentinel standing witness to what he knew Ryo had to do alone. He had reluctantly promised Ryo that he would not interfere, despite the humiliation that the honey blond was sure to have to endure from Rose.

 

Rose surveyed Ryo's appearance as the shy assassin stood before him. “You are a clever one, managing to steal a horse and sneak out of the camp when Diana and I believed that you were dead. I should have known that I wouldn't be able to get rid of you that easily. I taught you well. You're the only one who has ever survived my gauntlet. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?” he asked with a mock bow.

 

Ryo lifted his downcast eyes and softly addressed his superior, refusing to be deterred by Rose's condescending air. “I have a proposition for you. It's an offer that you can't refuse, but I want something from you in return.”

 

“Make it fast. I have to go kill the king,” Rose said dismissively.

 

“The king is dead. I have assassinated him,” Ryo said, meeting cold sapphire eyes with his kind warm ones. “His body lies draped over the back of this horse. Dee's army has followed me here to take retribution for their leader. If you give me what I ask for, it is yours and you will be able to defeat them.”

 

Rose's eyes lit up and a sly smile played across his lips as he surveyed the figure lying across the horse's back, wrapped in a protective sheet. His gaze suddenly narrowed in suspicion as he put a question to the honey-blond. “Why would you want to help me after I tried to kill you?”

 

Ryo shyly lowered his eyes and sank to the ground, kneeling before Rose in supplication. “I came to ask for your forgiveness. I was wrong to doubt you. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have let Dee talk me into defying you. You were right; he was only trying to save his own life. I was poisoned by his words. He lied to me, and only wanted to use me for my body. When Dee saw that my body had been irreparably scarred, he cast me out of his palace. I have nowhere else to go. I had hoped that by killing him I could make amends. Please take me back and let me serve you,” Ryo pleaded.

 

Rose smiled with satisfaction. Although he had admired the gorgeous assassin's previous defiance, he reveled in the fact that it was he who had finally shattered the man's seemingly indomitable spirit. The position in which he found himself now was almost as arousing as when he had forcefully kissed the bound and helpless Ryo, and it strengthened his lust for the man tenfold. The sweet, submissive Ryo would finally be his.

 

The imposing blonde walked over to stand in front of Ryo, threading his fingers through strands of the assassin's fair hair as he tilted Ryo's head back and gently caressed the spattering of bruises that marred his otherwise perfect features. “You really are beautiful. Why don't we see just how sorry you are? I know how you can make it up to me,” he whispered as he leaned down close to Ryo, now tracing his fingers delicately across Ryo's lips. Ryo shuddered and his eyes went wide with fear as Rose drew closer to him and moved his hand up Ryo's thigh, possessively cupping him between his legs as a lustful smile played across his lips.

 

“W-Wait,” Ryo stammered in protest as he tried to wriggle out of the iron grasp that Rose now had around his wrist, backing away from Rose's unwelcome touch and causing the bow and arrows fastened on his back to dislodge from their sheath and scatter over the ground. “I want to know who killed my parents. Then you will have my loyalty and allegiance once more, as well as Dee's body.”

 

Rose opened his eyes in shock as he stood and glanced at the body, then back at the assassin kneeling on the ground. “Ryo, I already told you the answer to that question. The murderer lies before your eyes. Why do you doubt me?” he shouted, then lowered his voice in contemplation. “Maybe it should be me who doubts you.” Motioning to two of his soldiers who were cowering behind a nearby tent, he indicated the bundle that lay across the horse. They hurriedly walked over to it and lifted it off the horse, laying it at Rose's feet.

 

The tall blonde unwrapped the cloth from around the body as Ryo got to his feet, rubbing his sore wrist as he leaned against the horse to keep himself steady. Piercing blue eyes expected to see the distinctive raven tresses of the king, but instead were met with a tumble of long blonde hair that framed a familiar face, her features serene and peaceful as she remained unmoving, her cold body bereft of a heartbeat. “Diana?” Rose breathed in shock as he lifted her body and held her against his chest. “How? Why? You were the best there was. How could you have failed me?” Rose asked in disbelief.

 

“She loved you,” Ryo said quietly, his voice rising slightly in anger as he observed the actions of his superior. “Is that all you can think of - how she failed to serve you? Don't you mourn her death at all? Diana sacrificed her life so that you could live another day. Everything she did was for you. You didn't deserve her.”

 

The warlord reverently placed Diana's body upon the ground and spun on Ryo in a sudden fit of fury. Ryo cringed as Rose approached him, hoping that there would not be too much of a fight, as he was not yet fully healed. “TRAITOR!” Rose seethed as he grasped the trembling Ryo by the arm and viciously threw him to the ground in front of him, ripping his shirt from his body. “How dare you deceive me! I took you in and put up with you for years and this is how you repay me?! By betraying me again and again? I should have snapped your neck myself instead of leaving you to die. No… I should have killed you the day I killed your parents. I should have known that you'd turn out just like them,” Rose yelled, his face contorted with barely restrained rage.

 

“Y-You killed my parents?” Ryo whispered incredulously, clutching at his chest as his heart beat uncontrollably and his mind reeled with an onslaught of emotions.

 

“Yes, they had outlived their usefulness to me, if you must know. I had helped them out when a band of raiders attacked their merchant cart and threatened to kill them if they did not give them all of their money. Your parents were very grateful to me and my men. There's no better weapon than gratitude to use to control someone. Of course, when they asked how they could repay me for my kindness, I couldn't resist. I knew that the MacLeans had a son residing in a training encampment that was old enough to become a soldier. I wanted you for my army that was rising to power. A young and able body with knowledge of two cultures and looks that would appeal to any man or woman would make a perfect assassin. Your life in repayment for theirs. It was a fair trade. When they adamantly refused that you become a mercenary, I graciously took my leave of them, but I never forgot their debt. The next time that they were in the same predicament in their travels, on the day before the Solstice, I stood by and let the plunderers take what they would. It's so much easier letting others do the dirty work for you. When their attackers had left them to die, I simply finished the job by taking their lives. I would take what was rightfully mine. I didn't have to wait long; you eventually found their bodies and were all too willing to become an assassin in order to avenge them. I just left out a few small details. You just needed the proper motivation. So you see, you really do belong to me,” Rose gloated.

 

Ryo sat unmoving, in a state of shock at Rose's unexpected confession. The powerful blonde man standing before him was nothing more than a ruthless cold-hearted killer whose ambition knew no limits. It angered Ryo that he had aided this wicked man in his rise to attain more power, but now that Dee had shown him the value of his own life, he was not afraid to stand up for himself and for what he believed in. The ties that had bound him to Rose were finally severed, once and for all.

 

“No, I belong to no one,” Ryo spoke up bravely. “My life is my own, and I will have revenge for the deaths of my parents. You reap what you sow, Rose. All your deceit and treachery will not go unpunished,” Ryo vowed in a steady voice, although he could feel his heart breaking inside of him. This man standing before him had shattered his world, taking away his happiness for his own selfish reasons and condemning him to a fate that he should have never had to endure, a life without love.

 

“Oh, and who's going to stop me?” Rose laughed maliciously as he raised his sword over the distraught honey blond. “You?”

 

Ryo closed his eyes and lowered his head as he prepared to join his parents in the underworld and embrace his fate, giving into despair. He knew that Rose was too powerful to defeat alone. He had not noticed that all throughout their encounter, a stealthy figure had been steadily moving closer to the pair, barely masking his fury at the latest turn of events.

 

Rose's eyes widened in shock as Dee's cloak fell away from his handsome face, revealing his flashing green eyes and his distinctive raven hair. “No, me,” a strong voice resonated throughout the clearing as Dee stepped between Ryo's prone body and Rose's upraised sword, his sword connecting powerfully with Rose's and making the blonde warlord step back with the aftershock of his strength as metal connected with metal. “How dare you talk to Ryo like that?! He's ten times the man that you could ever be. Ryo lives by the code of honor, and he values the beauty of life. The weak and the innocent are to be protected, not exploited by the likes of filth like you. You make me sick! Ryo still has a pure heart, despite serving under you. You should show him the respect that he deserves,” Dee said angrily as he helped Ryo to his feet. He was rewarded with a grateful smile that didn't quite reach the haunted look of despair reflected in Ryo's dark eyes. Dee could almost feel the depths of Ryo's suffering at discovering the identity of his parents' murderer at last and all of the emotional turmoil that accompanied it. His deep green eyes begged Ryo to let him handle the situation with his superior. Ryo sighed resignedly and nodded that he understood, his emotional state of mind fluctuating in a jumbled confusion. He could not trust himself to think clearly right now, still desperately trying to come to terms with Rose's confession and the resulting guilt and sorrow that he felt.

 

Dee advanced upon Rose, the sword in his hand fiercely reflecting the sunlight as he gripped its handle resolutely, his long black cloak flowing in the breeze. “It's time to pay for what you've done to Ryo as well as to the people of my kingdom. I will make sure that you can no longer threaten any of those entrusted to my care. Will you fight me fairly or will I have to summon my army in order to make my point? The choice is yours,” Dee said, his intense emerald eyes boring into Rose's cold blue ones.

 

Rose drew himself up to his full height, twirling his sword in his hands as he studied it, seemingly mesmerized. With a small smile, he calmly asked Dee, “Why are you so intent on helping Ryo? An assassin who can't even kill is of no use to anyone anymore. He will only be a burden to you. Walk away now and I will spare your life. Leave him to me. He will be dealt with accordingly and I promise that I will never wage war on your kingdom as long as I am in power.”

 

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