Fan Fiction ❯ Six Years ❯ Chapter 2

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

"So what should we do now?" Lendas asked as he laid his hands on Niezon's shoulders.

"It seems as though you've already got a plan," Niezon replied as Lendas moved his hands down and inside the king's robe.

"Of course, but I don't think it's something that should be done now."

"When has that stopped you?"

Lendas smiled as he untied the king's robe. He leaned forward and kissed the king's neck. Niezon watched him draw away then grabbed his arms. He kissed Lendas deeply as Kana burst into the room.

"Forgive me, sire," he said as Niezon drew away.

"You're more than welcome to join us," Niezon said as he tied his robe and Kana shook his head.

"Now is not the time for such things, sire."

"What is happening outside?"

"There was a strange creature at the gate. It looked like one of us, but it wasn't one of us."

"Could it have been an arcdemon? The people legends talk about?" Lendas asked as he sat at the king's feet.

"No. This creature did not look at all like the legends' description of the arcdemons. This strange beast had our ears and height but its wings were unusually small and its skin seemed to be leather-like and coarse."

"Did the creature come to seek counsel?" Niezon asked as Lendas placed a hand up his robe.

"No, but his manner was extremely threatening. I believe that he was merely an advance scout," Kana replied and Niezon stood up.

"An advance scout for what?" he inquired and Kana looked away. "Tell me your view of the situation."

"My scenario is not optimistic, your highness."

"When are you ever optimistic?" Lendas asked and Niezon glared at him.

"Quiet, Lendas. Tell me your view on this, Kana."

"Very well then," Kana replied as he placed his hands behind his back. "Is it possible that one of the clans that deserted your ancestor is seeking revenge?"

"That's insane," Lendas said as Niezon crossed the floor to gaze out the window.

"Perhaps," he replied. "But it makes sense. Why wait so long after the incident? That's what I don't understand."

"Those who have grudges don't always act in a rational manner. Now your highness, what will your course of action be?" Kana inquired.

"I will oppose him, naturally. Caedin, what are your feelings?" Niezon asked and Ryo's mother stepped forward.

"Forgive me, my love," she said and lowered her head. "I should not have been listening."

"Where is Ryo?" Lendas inquired.

"With Karu, I would assume," Niezon replied.

"If the worst should happen, this is what should be done," Kana said and drew his sword. "Caedin will take Ryoshan into the woods and await a reunion with you. Lendas will take his son and the other young ones to safety. My army will then defend our home and our king."

"That is what will be done, then," Niezon said.

"I must return to the watchtower, then. Dylnar is keeping watch during my absence. I want to know if anything else has happened. Excuse me, sire."

Lendas watched Kana walk out of the throne room then turned his attention to Niezon who had begun to take his robe off.

"I need to think about all this," he commented as Lendas helped pull the king's wings through the slits in the back of the robe. "I also need to hear any thoughts that you might have. Come, we'll go to the bath. Caedin...?"

"Yes?" Caedin asked as she glanced up.

"Listen to the servant talk. See if they might know some things that the nobles are not aware of."

She nodded her head and left the room as Lendas began massaging Niezon's shoulders.

"There's no time for that," Niezon said and Lendas drew away.

"I'm sorry," he replied and silently followed Niezon into the bathroom.

*****************************************************

"Give me those date again, Ryo!" Karu snapped and Ryo sighed. Why was he the only one in school? It wasn't fair. The candles in the room burned brighter and Karu glared at him. He smacked Ryo's hands with a flat stick. "You know the rules, young Ryoshan. No elements in class."

"Hey. Sorry I'm late, Karu," Lee said as he stepped into the room. "I thought I was supposed to go on a hunting trip with the king but that got canceled."

"What's going on out there?" Ryo asked.

"I'm not exactly sure. Sorry."

"What have I told you two about talking in class?" Karu asked and Ryo laid his head back on the chair.

"Come on, Karu. You're not being fair. Wouldn't we learn a lot more from reality than some boring books?" Ryo asked as the door opened and Karu sighed.

"Who's disrupting my class now?" he asked.

"I wasn't disrupting you. I was apologizing for being late," Lee said as Ryo turned around in his seat and laid his chin on the back of the chair.

"Forget the lessons for now, Karu," Kana said and Ryo jumped up.

"What's going on, Kana? No one will tell me," Ryo said then drew back when he saw the look in Kana's eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Your mother will be coming soon."

"Why?"

"Listen to me, Ryoshan. I don't know what's going to happen, but you've got to be strong."

"What's going on with my dad?"

"The crown is being threatened. Give him scrolls to take with him if you must, Karu, but the time for book learning is over."

"You're right, Kana. I don't like to admit it, but it's the truth. Go on back to the castle and pack, young Ryoshan," Karu said and handed Ryo a few small scrolls. Ryo took them and gazed at them for a moment then glanced at Kana, who had taken his other hand.

"Let's get you back there. I can run quite fast, you know," Kana said.

"Thanks," Ryo said and Kana picked him up.

"Kana, what about my father?" Lee asked and Kana glanced at him.

"He'll be coming shortly," Kana replied.

"And my mother?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen her. Ask your father when he arrives."

"Don't worry Lee. Things will work out," Karu said as Kana walked out the building.

"Do you know what's going on?" Lee asked and Karu sighed.

"There is an uprising against the king. His highness' life is in danger. Ryo's life is also in danger. That's why Kana took him away."

"Come on Lee. We need to leave as well. You, D, and the other young ones will travel in small groups. The men not part of the army will go with you along with some of the women," Lendas said as he entered the room.

"What about Mother?" Lee asked as they walked out of the classroom.

"She'll be leaving with you. I have to stay with the king so please take care of her."

"Are you staying because you have to go or because you love him?"

"Both. Watch it, Rane," Lendas said as a demon with short navy hair ran into him.

"Sorry, Lendas. Man would you look at the state of panic everyone is in? It's funny. In a morbid way, I mean," Rane said as fell in step with Lendas.

"I don't see anything funny about the situation Niezon is in."

"Hold on there," Rane said as he took a step back. "There's no reason to be so hostile."

"I'm sorry, Rane. I'm just worried about his well-being," Lendas replied and glanced away.

"I understand but don't get too caught in your emotions and forget who the enemy is."

"Rane, we don't know who the enemy is. Have you seen Asuka? I need to get to the king as soon as possible."

"I'm over here, Lendas," a woman's voice said and Lee let go of his father's hand.

"Mother!" he cried and she knelt down to embrace him. Her lavender hair fell in a loose braid on the side of her head and Lee gazed into her rose colored eyes. "You seem upset, Mother."

"I'm just worried about your father," she replied and Lendas embraced her.

"I'll be fine. It's my duty. I want you to be strong all right Lee?"

Lee nodded his head and Lendas walked away. He folded his wings and headed back to the castle.

"You're certainly calm," Dylnar said and Lendas glanced at him.

"Not really. What's going on?"

"We've been infiltrated."

"So where's the enemy? Walk faster."

"Kana's got the castle secured. Don't worry."

"I'm not doing my job if I'm not with him. Let's go in the side entrance. Where's your son?"

"D is helping evacuate everyone."

Lendas opened the door and stepped back at the sight of an armored demon holding a staff.

"Who goes there?" he asked and Lendas sighed.

"Get out of my way Ura. I'm not in the mood for it. Where's Niezon?" Lendas asked.

"In his room waiting for you."

"I can get there on my own. Why don't you see if Kana needs help?"

"Kana isn't here," Ura replied and Lendas looked at him.

"Where is he? He's your commander," Lendas replied.

"He left to take care of Ryoshan."

"Has he told any of you his fears on the situation?"

"He never does. He says it destroys the morale."

Lendas said nothing as he walked past Ura and ran for the throne room. He forced open the door then stepped back at what he saw. Niezon's body lay on the stone floor, his robes stained with blood. His initial shock wore off and he ran over to the king.

"What have they done to you?" he asked as he knelt beside him. He took the king's hand into his own and tightly squeezed it. "Talk to me please. You can't leave me this way. I love you," Lendas said as tears streamed down his cheeks. He gazed into Niezon's lifeless eyes and fumbled for the dagger that was clasped to the king's belt. He freed it from its prison and gazed at Niezon with tears blurring his vision.

"I refuse to let you go without me. I care about you too much! I'm coming to join you!" Lendas cried and plunged the dagger into his chest. Blood spewed from his wound as he fell to his knees. He crawled over to Niezon and kissed his cheek. He coughed violently for a moment then placed his arms around the king and prepared to join his loved one forever.