Summery

The King knows everything. There is no question you could ask him that he would not have an answer to. World domination? He can tell you how to get it step by step. Getting away with murder? Simple. Winning someone's heart? Piece of cake. However, there are ten tests for those who wish to obtain the answer they want so dearly. Only the pure of heart deserve such knowledge after all. You wager your life, and your very heart itself. Ryou figures anything's worth learning where his sister is, so with the help of Malik his new classmate with a grand set of secrets he starts his trials. Tainted hearts only deserve to be eaten after all.

Warning- This story contains violence, cussing, shounen-ai, and the inner workings of my mind

The pairing is Angstshipping~ I'll let you know if I add anymore

Okay, New story. I haven't had one of these in a while huh? Any who I adore this one; I actually have a plan for it and everything! Huzzah!

Disclaimer- The characters in this story don't belong to me. And there are probably a few other things I'm using that don't belong to me in this story.

Prologue: Show

"You wanted to speak with me?" The rotted door squealed in protest as Malik gently closed it behind him. He paused for a moment not sure whether proceeding deeper into his Kings room was smart or not. He held the doorknob behind his back as he hesitated, watching as the King poured over a large book on his desk. He took a small breath in, ready to announce he'd shown up for the meeting the King had insisted on having with him once more,

"Yo-"

"Take a seat" He was not graced with the Kings eyes, he hadn't bothered looking up from whatever he was reading, which at this point was obviously more important than whatever he'd wanted from Malik.

Without speaking again Malik strode forward. The only seat in the room was the Kings; as such Malik continued to stand. He was used to this…test. The King would drop an order that was rather hard to do without making you look like a fool. Anyone unaccustomed to the Kings games would sit themselves on the floor and thus prove who they were. People like Malik however went against the order. He'd been taught the importance of pride by the King himself. Thus he would not lower himself. Not even at the feet of his king.

He noticed a small smirk tug at his kings' lips at the proof that Malik was in fact no form of imposter. However, this didn't move his king to speech. As the book was more interesting than Maliks presence. They stood in silence for a long time. Maliks eyes wandered around the room, the only light came from two dim lamps. One short one on the Kings desk and one tall one behind it. It was remarkable that the man could even get electricity in his much adored study. But Malik supposed the King could easily figure out how to hook it up with his vast knowledge.

Shadows pooled around the room, wrapping their long fingers around the feet of his Kings' desk and the bookshelf that stood companionably behind the Kings tall lamp. However, the shadows couldn't quite make the room cold. It simply seemed warm in the Kings study, from the weak, kind light to the faded red carpet to the smooth light wood of the Kings desk.

"You've been doubting yourself." Maliks head snapped back to face the king. A small spider web of chills spread across his gut.

"No I haven't. I'm bored your highness, not doubtful" He knew it was futile. One of his numerous weaknesses was being addressed and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He wasn't exactly sure why he was fighting, there was no way he was going to avoid it.

"Malik." Malik didn't move, he shut his mouth and looked at the ground

"Yes, your highness?"

"Don't lie."

"Yes, Your highness."

"Remember who you are. You may not show it much, but you're one of the most powerful people I know. Without you there would be no show for us." A small smirk came across the Kings face, "You should know by now how important it is that we have a show"

Malik nodded stiffly, His lilac eyes fell to the carpet at his feet and the black boots he was wearing, "The show is all we have to keep men from running wild with power" he recited, "The stage is set. We need no more than our 11 actors and of course our main character."

"Correct" The king purred, "How is our main character Malik?"

"Doomed" He tucked a few strands of blond hair behind his ear, "Absolutely doomed."

The Kings grin sent more chills up and down Maliks back. This, in his opinion was the worst part of his job. Whenever someone came to the king they may as well have been signing their own death warrant. And every time someone came, Malik had to watch them die. He figured it was a little cruel. Sure he'd been taught that anyone seeking the King deserved whatever fate they were given but… It didn't make the mental scars easier to bare.

"The blackness in his heart is his downfall" This was another thing Malik had heard so many times he could recite it. Victim after victim of the King were said to have not gotten what they wanted due to the 'blackness in their hearts'

Malik knew better than to disagree with his King, "I am impressed with him though; he's made it all the way to Marik… It's a shame really…"

"No. He doesn't deserve what he seeks." Sternly Malik was reminded, "If he did He'd be able to defeat Marik tomorrow. You don't seem to think he can. As such he won't get anything from me"

Malik nodded so as to not say something upsetting to his King again.

'Out of respect,' he told himself, 'not fear.'

Silence once again held the two in her suffocating grip. Her unbearable weight lying thickly in the room to a point where it was almost tangible. For Malik anyway, he suspected that his King wasn't having much trouble with it.

"Do you… think someone will ever be deserving of your knowledge, your highness?" For the first time in the conversation the King raised his eyes to meet Maliks.

"Yes. Humans are all tainted but, not all of them are undeserving," The King had a deep frown on his face as he continued staring unnervingly into Maliks purple orbs.

"Is that not good?" He asked, keeping his eyes level with his kings. One grew used to intense stars after a while.

"You're the best judge of that my boy" A small smile overturned the Kings frown. But Malik felt no better than he had before. Without proper answers he couldn't tell whose side his king was on, or how this would play out for him as time went on.

"I suppose so…" Finally Malik broke eye contact to look back at his boots.

"Malik, Try not to be so serious" the King leaned forward, resting his pale elbows on his desk, "It's a show! Entertainment! It's all fun and games, even though some people are going to have to get hurt! You shouldn't worry so much about them."

"Right" Malik didn't look up, "Is there something you want me to do, your highness?"

"Lighten up. Don't be so hard on yourself. You have a purpose most humans would die to have, so enjoy it. This life of yours only comes around for you once"

"Yes my King" Malik whispered

"You're dismissed."

Malik turned and moved quietly back to the door, opening it quickly so that it's screeches of pain wouldn't last long.

"Malik." Malik froze

"Yes?"

"It's a show" The King murmured for what felt like the millionth time. Malik had stopped trying to figure out who the King was persuading that his 'Show' was just a show and not some twisted set of impossible tests meant to destroy anyone who dared try to ask him something.

"So give them a show. I know, your highness"

Thanks for reading! I would like to have a beta for this story so if anyone is interested please let me know!