This story is a mix between the original story and the Disney version of it. The characters belong to Masami Kurumada No money is made in the making of this fanfiction. There is a lemony version of this on Adultfanfiction (In this fic, Deathmask also goes by Angelo)
Once upon a time in a far away land there was an enormous and beautiful castle. The walls were a pristine white and the gardens surrounding the castle were full of life and vibrant color. A young prince named Angelo ruled this castle and the surrounding kingdom. He was a handsome young man with tanned skin, a statuesque muscled body, dark indigo hair, and piercing blue eyes.
Although Prince Angelo was sexy and pleasing to the eyes, he was wild. He had conquered many kingdoms and was frightening to all who faced him in battle. The prince was commonly referred to as Deathmask, due to his prowess in battle and the deaths that ensued. The symbol of the army and castle was the Cancer Crab, as Deathmask was an incarnation of the Cancer saint of Athena, the goddess of the land. He was known for his powerful battle skills and his seductive personality. It was known that he had a way with sexy young men and women, and was amazing in the bedroom.
One evening Prince Angelo's court threw a magnificent ball, one that exemplified luxury. The wine and champagne were exquisite and they went perfectly with the selection of hors d'oeuvres. There was also a magnificent feast spread with everything from fine sage and garlic roast prime ribs to toast with butter, honey, and freshly made jams. The walls were dressed in rich fabrics and the chandeliers sparkled from the high ceiling. The music reverberated through the halls in a melodious tone.
The prince was dressed in a tight pair of white pants that hugged his muscular butt nicely, and a loosely fit purple silk dress shirt that highlighted his sculpted pectoral muscles. Although the ball was exquisite and the lords and ladies all danced and mingled, Prince Angelo was bored. He did not see anyone who struck his fancy and sat on his throne drinking a glass of fine wine. As he sipped his glass, a short, homely young man with short fuzzy brown hair, and hunched posture entered the ballroom and approached the prince.
"I humbly request a dance with you, your highness," The troll-like man said with a raspy voice.
The prince snorted rudely at the presumption, "I don't like to dance with little, foul smelling creatures such as yourself."
"I brought you a gift, so I beg your Highness to reconsider." He held out a beautifully fragrant deep red rose, the color of dark crimson blood.
Prince Angelo raised an eyebrow. He looked at the deep red color and began to fantasize about the villages he demolished in his rampage to create a powerful kingdom. Angelo began feeling entranced by the rose's beauty, but then shook his head to look back at the ugly man before him.
The prince glared at the man, "I don't like flowers. . .besides, what makes you think this gift is worth anything? I can get flowers anywhere I please."
"So you won't accept my gift, dear prince?"
"Keep your flower, it is useless to me," the prince spat.
"What about my dance?"
"I only dance with those I am inclined to be romantic with, and you are not my type, you grotesque beast!"
"Me? A grotesque beast? How dare you!?! You insolent fool!" In a puff of glittering aqua smoke, the short man melted away and twisted in form revealing a beautiful feminine man with long hair like the sea and sky melded together to create a symphony of blue, and piercing pale blue eyes that glittered like the ocean. He held the single red rose that glittered and brought out the aqua haired man's flushed cheeks and plump lips.
"My name is Pisces Aphrodite. I have come to realize that you are very cruel and have no love in your heart. You shall be punished for your lack of compassion."
"I know I am cruel, but that does not mean I should be punished! Besides what can you possibly do? I mean you are sexy as hell and I would love to bed you. . .but come on! I had no idea who you were my darling Aphrodite. Please give me another chance. . .I would love to take your rose."
"As much as I like the offer," Aphrodite continued, "I am going to have to teach you a lesson. You are only acting kind to me now that I have revealed my true form to you. Looks can be deceiving my dear Deathmask. And as a Gold Saint of Athena, I would have thought more of you. You are nothing but a beast, Deathmask. Therefore, I shall make you into one. An isolated beast."
The prince contorted in pain as he felt a shock from the electric light that emitted from Aphrodite's fingertips. The light coursed through the palace leaving an eerie glow throughout. The palace began to darken and the lords and ladies disappeared, along with the musicians, and all guests. Dark forests and thorns shrouded the castle's grounds, denying passage to those who passed by the kingdom.
Aphrodite then faced the prince and with a glint in his eye, he gathered a ball of light into his hand and aimed it at the prince. Pain coursed through Deathmask's body like needles and pins piercing through his flesh. His body contorted and the prince began to writhe in severe pain and agony. His nails lengthened into claws, his jaw bled as fangs tore through his mouth, his body grew in height and girth, and thick dark blue fur began to cover his body. His face twisted and contorted into an animalistic form, and felt a tail grow out from his tailbone.
Aphrodite spoke as the prince writhed on the floor, "This rose will bloom until your twenty-seventh year. Unless you have learned to love and have earned the love of another before then, you will remain a beast. I suppose the two servants who stayed here will suffer with you. . .considering they have also been cursed. . ." He smirked and turned towards the prince's two best servants, Misty and Argor, who were no longer human. Misty was now a humanoid lizard who, despite being a reptile, still had an air of beauty. Argor had been turned into a small crab to symbolize the powerful kingdom this once was.
Aphrodite smiled as he looked at his work and nodded, "well I suppose I could give you one little perk. Here is a magical mirror that will allow you to look at the outside world, since you are no longer a part of it."
Deathmask glared hard at Aphrodite. Aphrodite then walked over to Deathmask and pulled at his tail lightly. "You know, your lovely highness, you make one hell of a sexy beast. I am sure you won't have any trouble breaking this curse. . .well you actually falling in love with someone sounds unlikely, considering you like to keep your options open. But with you looking like this, you won't have very many options, hahahahah! In any case your body is much more animalistic now, although I doubt you could be more animalistic than you already were. . .but good luck dealing with your. . .physical needs. No raping and pillaging now, dear. Oh, and just so you know BIGGER isn't always better wink" Aphrodite then disappeared in a cloud of aqua smoke and blue light, leaving the beast alone with two servants, a mirror, and his special rose.
Deathmask sighed, "Right Aphrodite. . .who the hell would love a beast like me? I wasn't lovable before this curse. . ."
Far away from the kingdom was a small town in France where a rich merchant, named Shion, lived with his four sons. His eldest sons were Saga and Kanon, his middle son, Camus, and his youngest son, Hyoga.
Saga and Kanon loved the luxury that their father provided them with. They were able to wine and dine without thought and were very popular with the men and women of the village, for they were handsome, strong, and beautiful. They both had long blue hair, teal eyes, and muscular bodies that many admired. Camus, on the other hand, was very quiet and took care of his father and siblings, as a mother would. He cooked the meals, tended to their dog and cat, and made sure that his father and brothers were content. No one ever forced Camus into this role; he just enjoyed pleasing those he cared for. He loved to read books, relax in the garden, and his only means to splurge on himself was to give himself nice manicures. He was very beautiful with luxuriously long teal hair with sleek bangs on top, dark cyan eyes, and a lean, well-defined body. Shion's youngest son, Hyoga, always looked up to Camus, and enjoyed Camus's bedtime stories and the hot cocoa he made. Hyoga had icy blue eyes , wild blond hair, was very muscular and he enjoyed good workouts.
One day, Shion was expecting a shipment of fine gold and jewels, and left to town to retrieve his goods. Saga and Kanon also went to town to enjoy some drinks and spend time with their best friends Aioros and Shura. Camus stayed at home to prepare a fine feast for when his family returned, while Hyoga practiced fighting in the yard. Saga and Kanon returned home when supper was ready.
Kanon smiled at Camus. "Camus, you always make the best meals! I wish I could cook as well as you. . ."
"I've offered to teach you numerous times, Kanon. . ."
"Hehe sweatdrop well you got me there. . .it's just no one can make food as yummy as you do."
"That's true Camus," Saga agreed, "you have a way with making food taste excellent."
As the brothers continued to discuss food flavors, Shion returned home with a blank look on his face.
"What is wrong father?" Camus asked with a concerned on his face.
"The ship with all of our goods and supplies is gone. . .we. . .we're broke."
Saga and Kanon's jaws dropped and they immediately began to soothe their father. Shion decided to sell the house and the riches that they once had.
Many weeks went by and the twins built a new house with Hyoga's help. Shion continued to look for work and met with various business partners to try to keep their livelihood. Camus took care of everyone's needs during this time. Saga and Kanon worked the fields that surrounded their new house in order to have food to eat and to sell, and Hyoga helped with their work. Camus secretly liked their new way of life; he found it to be more fulfilling than having everything handed to them on a silver platter. His brothers were working hard and enjoying their times together, and Hyoga was learning good morals and a strong work ethic. Camus tended to the families needs and made sure that Shion was healthy. One day, Shion did not return from work and his sons began to worry.
"We should go search for him, especially since a storm is coming" Saga said with a concerned look on his face.
"Yes, but our neighbor said that he left the marketplace earlier today, we have no idea where to look," Kanon replied with urgency on his face.
Camus replied, "Calm down please. The first thing we should do is talk to. . .Father you're back!"
Shion smiled weakly at his sons, "I am so sorry to worry you. . .I have great news though, cough Our lost shipment has been found!"
"That is wonderful news father!" Hyoga replied happily.
Saga and Kanon took their father's coat and boots, and put them by the hearth.
Camus poured some hot stew into a bowl to serve his father, "so father, what does this new shipment entail?"
Shion smiled at the stew and placed his hands on the bowl to warm up, "Well. . .I have to go to a port city that is at least 4 days away. . .but it is only to review the damages and see what is salvageable. . .for all I know, there is nothing left, but it is worth a shot to see what there is."
Saga sat at the table, "father, let me go in your stead, don't act like I didn't hear you cough as you entered. I am worried for your health, and with the upcoming storm, I would prefer you let me go."
Kanon looked at his twin, and nodded in agreement, "yes father let one of us go, you are in no condition to travel during the winter months."
Shion sighed and looked at his sons, "first, I am not ill, I merely had a little tickle in my throat, second, you both must tend to things while I am gone. . .it is likely that there is nothing left to salvage, so you both must maintain the fields otherwise there really will be nothing left. And Saga, you are keeping Hyoga up to date with his studies, correct? If you go, then what will Hyoga study? And Kanon, you are helping him with his fighting and training, if you go, then how will he know how he is doing?"
Saga and Kanon glanced at each other and they both knew they were thinking the same thing—that their father was extremely stubborn, and that there was no convincing him otherwise, since he could come up with a random excuse to everything.
Camus chuckled, "Father, this wouldn't have anything to do with Sir Douko, who happens to live in that port city, does it?"
Shion glared daggers at his son for revealing his real reason for wanting to go to the port city. "Of course not Camus, just because he is a very good family friend is no reason to make a trip especially for him."
Hyoga laughed, "Father that is so not what he said. He was saying that you want to go so much because of Sir Douko, not that you were making a special trip just to see him, or are you?" He looked at his father suspiciously.
Camus glanced back at his father and replied, "Well father, our shipment arriving in the city with Sir Douko is an excellent excuse for you to go see him, if anything, Sir Douko will tend to your needs while you are there, and it is likely that he will see to it that whatever is salvageable will be salvaged."
Shion smiled at Camus, "but of course Sir Douko will be willing to help us out." Shion stirred his warm stew and ate it with gusto. After the meal Shion looked at his sons, "well boys, since I am making the trip to the port city anyway, I would like to bring back a gift for each of you. Is there anything you would like?"
Hyoga jumped up, "Father, I would really like to have a fishing knife! I have been fishing a lot as of late and a knife would really come in handy." Shion smiled back, "Of course Hyoga, I bet Sir Douko could even forge one for you. . .he has many talents."
Saga and Kanon glanced at each other again. Neither of them felt that they needed anything in particular, especially since they both were pragmatic in nature, but due to their father's stubborn ways, Saga spoke up for them both. "Well father, Kanon and I could use some new farming supplies. . ." Shion smiled, "It figures that you two would want something useful. . .sigh I guess I shouldn't be surprised."
Shion looked over at Camus who was washing dishes and putting them away, "So Camus, what can I bring back for you?" Camus smiled, "Father, you know that the only thing I could want is for your safe return." Shion shrugged, "I guess that means that I need to pick out what I get you myself then, huh?" Camus sighed, "You don't need to get anything for me, father. . .I am happy to have a roof over my head. But if you would like to please me father, please take the care packages I prepare for you to take on your trip, along with blankets, tools, and anything else the horse can carry." Shion sighed again, "geez Camus. . .you totally changed the topic from what I can bring to you to what I should bring with me."
The next morning, Camus prepared the items necessary for travel, while Saga and Kanon made sure the horse, Jabu, was healthy and ready to go, and Hyoga saw to it that their father ate breakfast and had enough medicine with him. Shion smiled and waved as he left to go on his journey to the port city.
As Shion entered the port city, he knew that the outlook was not good. He saw the ship and most of the goods were damaged, and many of the goods that made it had been stolen by thieves or taken by tax collectors. Douko had greeted Shion and explained to him what occurred to the ship before he was able to get his company to protect the goods. After Douko had intervened, the ship had not been touched.
Shion sighed, "Oh Douko. . .It is going to cost more to remove this ship from the pier than what I can salvage from it"
Douko pulled Shion close to him, "Please don't worry about your finances Shion. . .You know that I will protect you and your family. . .My company is running strong right now. . .I really wish you would consider moving your family here."
Shion smiled as he rested his head on Douko's warm chest, "You are so kind. . .but I think there are some perks to having a farm. . .the boys all seem so happy and they are learning to work hard. Besides. . .we hardly have the money to move."
Douko wrapped his arms around Shion's shoulders, "How about we join companies then. . .my assets and your assets can become our assets. . .and then. . .we can finally get married."
Shion blushed at the idea of marrying the love of his life. Shion's wife, Shaina said she wanted to have children and after she gave birth to Hyoga, she ran off with another man, leaving the children and Shion behind. Shion had known Douko since that time, and he had helped Shion raise his sons, and he made him feel very special.
"Douko. . .I hope you are serious. . ." Shion leaned closer to Douko and kissed him lighly on his cheek.
Douko smiled at his long time friend, "Yes Shion. . .I promise you. . .that we will get married. I shall prepare a place for us to live that has a farm, with new equipment for your sons." Shion beamed when he heard this. . .at least he could please Saga and Kanon by moving them into a large city where they could continue working, but also have opportunities to change fields if they wished. He looked up at Douko with large violet eyes, "Douko. . .do you know where I can get a good fishing knife for Hyoga?"
Douko smiled at Shion, "You know that forging tools and knives is one of my specialties. I shall forge him the best kind of fishing knife a human can make." Shion grabbed Douko and pulled him close, "Douko. . .you know how to make me happy, don't you?" Douko smiled and kissed Shion, "But of course!"
After all was settled, Douko immediately began preparations to have a house fixed up and ready to go, for when Shion's family arrived. Shion kissed Douko and rode off on his horse to give the good news to his family, and the newly forged knife to Hyoga. Shion blushed as he rode on and daydreamed about what their future would be like.
As the horse trotted on, hail and snow began to fall from the sky and the wind grew stronger. Tree branches creaked and the air around the horse howled. The horse immediately began to run off the path, which pulled Shion out of his daze. "What are you doing!? What is going on. . .bad Jabu! Go back to the path!" Just then Jabu bucked Shion off and flailed into the forest. Shion's head hit a rock and he lost all consciousness.
The following morning, the snow melted slightly dripping water onto Shion's face. Shion's nose wrinkled as he woke up with a large headache. His eyes widened as he remembered what had happened the night before, and how he was stranded in the middle of a forest, with no horse or belongings. Shion stood up, dizzy, and looked to find horse hoof prints or some kind of path where he could find someone to help him, but the blanket of snow was too thick for him to have any such luck.
Shion glanced up at the trees and saw a flicker of a castle, almost like a mirage in the distance. "Maybe there are people there who can direct me back to the path," Shion thought as he mustered some energy to reach the palace.
Shion entered the court yard, and there were many plants blooming and the wind stopped blowing with such severity. "This feels like an enchanted garden. . .the flowers are still blooming here. . ." He looked down and saw flowers that seemed to glitter like little snowdrops in the sun. He then headed for the entrance.
"Hello? Is anyone here? Please help me, I am lost and my horse ran away. . ." Shion looked around and saw no one in sight. This surprised him since there was a fire in the hearth and there was a cup of warm hot cocoa on the table next to the hearth. Shion wandered through the halls and could not find a living being. "I wonder if this palace was evacuated. . .there is no sign of people, yet. . .the fire is going and the drinks are hot. This place really does seem enchanted." Shion continued to wander towards the kitchen and dining area. He noticed that there was a feast prepared on the table with a note that said it was for a guest.
Shion sat down, "I suppose I am a guest. . .but who is working this magic. . . I doubt this palace is just magically efficient. . .or maybe I am hallucinating due to the cold. In any case, thank you very much for this food." His voice echoed as he spoke. He then reached over and ate until he was full. He then walked over the hearth and fell asleep on the sofa with a warm throw blanket.
As Shion slept, a little crab peeked at him to make sure that he was content, and ran off to see the master of the palace.
"Wow, Deathmask, we actually have a guest! This is so awesome! And he is a hottie with light green hair and purple eyes to die for!" Argor exclaimed.
"You are such an idiot Argor. . .he has a fiancé. He won't do at all!" Misty said as he looked into Deathmask's mirror.
"Enough both of you! Let's just make sure he is content, and we'll give him some horse in the morning and he can go off and do whatever the hell it was he was doing. . .the last thing I need is being responsible for more crap, " Deathmask grumbled.
Since the years before that the Prince fell into such a horrible fate, he decided to reject his past completely. He only went by the name, Deathmask, which he felt was more appropriate for his current status. The beast within him was always called Deathmask, and now his outer appearance revealed that monster.
Shion pulled the blanket up closer and snuggled into it, relishing in the warmth. After a long, restful sleep he awoke with more energy than he felt in a long time. Shion stretched and went to the washroom to freshen up. He then said, "Thank you very much. . .uh. . .palace." Shion picked up his coat, which was surprisingly dry, and noticed that there was a full breakfast laid out for him. "Oh thank you so much! You have been so kind to me. . ." Shion ate his breakfast and bowed at the table. He then exited the doors back into the courtyard. He then saw Jabu standing in the courtyard with all of his goods, as though he were waiting for him. "Oh Jabu. . .thank you for coming back!"
Shion adjusted the bridle on Jabu and was ready to go, until he remembered that he did not have a gift for Camus. Shion looked around and saw those crystalline flowers again. Shion thought, "he has always loved the snow. . .and these look like snowflakes brought to life. . .I suppose since this place has been so generous, they won't miss one little flower. . ." Shion reached down and plucked it from the ground.
Upon sight of this, Deathmask was not pleased. No one took from him what was not directly given. Deathmask may be a vicious beast who was in the process of reformation, but that did not mean that he had given up his way of dealing with theft. He jumped down from a high tower and immediately pressed his long claws against Shion's neck.
Shion gasped at the sight before him, never had he seen such a large and terrifying beast. He did not scream, so as to not startle him further. "A. . .are. . . you the master of this place?"
Deathmask snorted, "No shit! How dare you steal from me, AFTER I made sure that your needs were tended to!"
Shion gasped for air, and the beast lessened his grip, "I. . .I am very thankful for your wonderful hospitality. . .it is just that I thought that one flower in such as vivacious garden would. . ." Deathmask interrupted at this point, "One flower can mean the world to another!" the beast snarled. Deathmask thought back to that day when Aphrodite had offered him that simple flower, if he only knew the power of one little flower, he would not be in this state today.
Shion closed his eyes and nodded, "that is a good point. . .I. . am so sorry, I don't know what I can do to repay you."
Deathmask laughed cynically with a raspy voice, "well now that you picked it, there is no way to return it to the plant that it came from, it is forever separated from its origination. Nothing you can do about that. What shall I do with you? Keep you in the dungeon?"
Shion gathered his resolve and replied, "I will stay in your dungeon if you wish, but. . .but first, may I return home to my family to say good bye to my children. . .and I can give this crystal flower to my son, who I know will love and cherish it. . .so that the flower continues to have purpose."
Deathmask squinted his eyes, he didn't know what hit him when Shion gave him this speech. . .maybe the idea that there was someone in the world who really could appreciate a flower intrigued him. Deathmask looked Shion in the eye, "Alright I'll make you a deal. You may return home and say goodbye to your family, but if you do not return within a month, I will hunt you down and kill you and your family, and do not think for even a moment that I will go back on that. I shall cast a spell on Jabu so that he knows the way back and can return you here. I am being very lenient. . .only because you were very gracious prior to this incident.
Shion looked at Jabu and back at the monstrous beast before him. "Thank you. . ." With that Shion got onto Jabu's back and rode home, feeling scared that he would never get to see his Douko again.
Misty snickered, "You know Deathmask, you could have mauled him, but instead you let him run."
Deathmask sighed, he could tell that the man would keep up his end of the bargain. "Well I can always do that later," Deathmask smiled at the thought of a good fight.
A/N-sorry about spelling errors etc. I don't have a beta ;