A note to you readers... In the last chapter, I've written Tenma to be an illiterate. That's really absurd and I've changed that small bit. You needn't read the whole chapter again. Just know that Tenma has knowledge of all the arts but he couldn't put them to practical use because he was rotting in the dungeons. So, this means, Tenma is a literate.
OTP's are all you need: I guess you won't need Poor Tenma in this chapter! Yay! You have to feel sorry for someone else though (I think). That maid thing... Believe me when I say, I wrote it grudgingly. As you said, Old habits die hard. I've mentioned it in Chapter 3 that Kyousuke likes to bathe with his favorite maids and I took that point into account here. Kyousuke still has hidden feelings for Tenma... Takes some time to unfold.
Lemonade Sherbet-2015: Their relation will surely get better... Stay tuned!
The Symbol of Faith: Yuuichi... About him, huh? Well, what can I say? I know you are waiting for him and I promise you that I'll bring him into the picture... But not today! Ha ha! Longer fics are really necessary and I mean it. That's one of reasons I started writing on ff net. Really? You can't write longer poems? I guess we're opposites in poetry then... ;)
MS Smartphone: Sometimes, it's just the instinct... Anger overpowers any other emotion right? And, Tenma thought for a while before mouthing off. He was ready to face the dire consequences and so he took that step even though he knew it was wrong. I've corrected the other things you mentioned though.
Tallemy: I don't call it abusive, actually. Fear and anger are two such emotions which drive a person crazy. People go against their wit when they are overcome by fear or anger. Anger doesn't necessarily mean an abusive relationship. I've altered the illiteracy point. What you've said is true. Most people generally take interest in the main characters and want fics relating to them. Any other genres are casted away and the author is just left with disappointment...
I'm proud to inform you guys that this is the longest I've ever written! I didn't want to break the sequence so carried on with the flow. Hope you enjoy this chapter. It has the two time skips I promised you.
It was too suffocating to breathe. The dirt entered his lungs whenever he tried to take lungful of breath and he erupted into a fit of coughs after that. Why had he been so angry? To serve this kind of sentence? What was this worth for? He couldn't stop his husband from bathing with those girls or maids, whoever they were. He couldn't get Kyousuke's attention. All he got was a dark dingy room with rolling rats and crawling spiders. Why was he unable to hold his tongue, he didn't quite understand. He didn't even bother thinking about his action anymore because he understood that it was futile. All he could now was wait for the door to open.
And, one find day or night, he didn't know what, the door opened.
He was too tired, exhausted, dehydrated and hungry to get up from the dusty floor. He just lay down there on his stomach, watching the puffs of dust particles that swiveled in the air due to his exhalation while his hands twitched uselessly in his effort to put them in motion. He felt hands on his body, moving him so that he was sitting on the floor, relaxing against the strong arms that pulled him up.
"You don't look so good," he heard his husband's voice.
"Kyou-," he tried speaking but was shushed by a finger on his lips.
"Don't say anything. I hope you've learned your lesson, Tenma," Kyousuke said calmly as he rested Tenma against his chest to support his weight.
Tenma nodded against Kyousuke's chest. "I'm sorry," he said in his unused raspy voice.
"I tend to react when I'm angry. I don't think even for a moment that what the consequences of my action would mold into. So, it's my humble advice to you, do not anger me, ever. Got that?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Good. So, let's get you out of here. Can you stand up?" Kyousuke helped Tenma up.
Kyousuke put up with the baby steps Tenma took. He was hunched over and Kyousuke cradled Tenma's limp body close to his' so that he wouldn't fall. As they made their way out of the store room, there was Matsukaze Ken waiting for them with a stern expression. Upon seeing the plight of Tenma, he had mixed emotions boiling in him and the one that surfaced was pure anger, directed at Kyousuke. He might've made a successful effort in subduing his anger a night ago, but this very night, that wouldn't happen anymore.
"You little rascal!" Ken marched towards Kyousuke, startling him with the sudden intrusion.
"Ken-san? What are you doing here?!" Kyousuke asked, surprise clearly written on his face.
"You didn't expect me to be here, did you? I've been following you. Two whole days! It's been two days since I last saw Tenma-kun after the little tantrum you threw at him for not having the skill in arts. You think I'm a fool to not catch the signs, Kyousuke? What did you do to my brother this time? Why WAS he in that hellhole of a room? Answer me now, you idiot!" Ken's voice dropped a note, indicating his rage as he pulled Kyousuke up by his collar so that he was looking square into the eyes of Kyousuke.
Tenma was on the floor now, unable to stand any longer without Kyousuke's arms to hold him, witnessing the fight between his husband and his brother with a foggy brain that failed to register anything.
"Let go of me!" Kyousuke tried to pry away Ken's hold on his collar.
"Not until you tell me why Tenma's in that room!"
"Why would I need to tell you?! He's my wife and I'll do whatever I want with him. You have no business here, got that?" Kyousuke countered.
"Oh, well it actually IS my business. You know why? It's because he's my brother! You're going to answer me or else I'm not letting you go without a good fight. And if it got down to a fight, YOU WILL LOSE. So, speak up, now!" Ken's commanding tone was frightening to Kyousuke's brave heart.
He knew they were of the same age but he wasn't confident in his "fight abilities", He was a slow learner and his master had always made sure to let him know that he was lacking many skills that a fifteen year lad should possess. So, he gulped and decided to tell what had transpired between Tenma and him for Tenma to end up in that room.
"I've told you everything! Let go now," Kyousuke tugged at Ken's hand.
"Tenma yelled at you?" Ken asked in disbelief, letting go of Kyousuke.
"Yeah, he did. I don't understand why you're unable to believe that but he did and so, I snapped at him. I can't control my anger and I realize things after I calm down," Kyousuke said, straightening his robes.
Ken paid a deaf ear to Kyousuke as he helped Tenma up into a standing position. Tenma never scolded anyone. Ken has never witnessed that from his little brother and it was a shock to him, the revelation of Tenma's anger by Kyousuke.
"I'm taking him to the royal physician. Where's the room?" Ken asked with his back to Kyousuke.
"Second floor. I'll help too," Kyousuke offered.
Ken half-turned his head towards his brother's husband and pinned him with a harsh glare. "No," he deadpanned.
"I told you my mind isn't stable when I'm angry. I'm sober now and I want to help too."
"Sober after two days? Don't make me laugh," Ken chucked humorlessly.
"I WANT to help!" Kyousuke repeated firmly.
Ken eyed him for a moment. "Go get him something to eat and drink then. You know where to find us," Ken replied and walked away with Tenma to meet the physician.
Shindou Takuto, a man in mid twenties, the royal physician serving the Tsurugi family, snapped out of the book he was reading under the candle light when someone knocked at his door. He expected the Eden King at his doorstep because unknown to all the others, the King has been receiving treatment secretly for his bad health. Shindou Takuto didn't even know what kind of disease the King possessed let alone brew a proper medicine to diminish it. What he didn't expect was the Prince's wife and another lad who accompanied the former at his doorstep.
"Sorry to disturb you at this ungodly hour but my brother here is not well and could you just give him some medicine, sir?" Ken asked.
"Sure. What's your name, kid?" Shindou Takuto asked.
"I'm Matsukaze Ken," Ken answered.
"Bring the Prince in. Lay him down on that bed there," Takuto said and Ken did as he was asked to.
Ken stood back as Takuto got down to his work. Kyousuke came back with some boiled vegetables, rice balls, fruit juice and water.
"He's too weak. Ah, you've brought food, Prince! Make him eat some. In the meantime, I'll prepare the medicine and he'll be as fit as right as rain in no time," he told Kyousuke and sat at his table with the required ingredients for the medicine.
"Help him up," Kyousuke told Ken, gesturing to Tenma.
Ken helped Tenma up into a sitting position and Kyousuke fed Tenma. Now that he thought back to what he did, Kyousuke felt guilty, just a little. He wanted to put Tenma through hell but there was this nagging conscience in the back of his head that always canceled out the justifications he made of his actions. This was one such situation to him. He never wanted to go this far. Maybe, he should devise less harsh ways of punishing Tenma.
"Has he eaten anything?" Takuto was back with the medicine.
"A few vegetables, a rice ball and fruit juice. Is that good, Takuto-san?" Kyousuke asked.
"That'd do. Make him drink this," Takuto put a small cup filled with some liquid in Kyousuke's hand.
Tenma gulped down the medicine and his face contorted in disgust at the taste.
"Let him get plenty of rest," Takuto advised.
"Thank you for the help," Ken thanked and Takuto smiled before closing the door.
"Stop," Ken said when Kyousuke about to enter his room with Tenma.
"What now? Haven't we had enough today?" Kyousuke asked, clearly tired.
"You brought it upon yourself. And, Tenma can sleep in my room. I don't trust you with him," Ken said.
"Look, I agree I've made a mistake and I can take care of my wife. You can leave," Kyousuke retorted politely.
"No, you won't. You hate him and love doesn't sprout overnight. I believe a person like you would never understand what it is to love. So, if you'll excuse me," Ken said, taking a sleeping Tenma into his arms, "I'll let Tenma have a peaceful slumber, away from his horrible husband. Good night."
Ken shut the door on Kyousuke's stunned face. He was frustrated with everything. Why is it always Tenma that had to suffer? Why wasn't he tactful enough to understand that their parents wanted to get rid of Tenma by giving him away to a cunning idiot like Kyousuke? How did he even think that Kyousuke was taking good care of Tenma? He spread a futon on the floor and slept on it after plopping down Tenma on the bed. Giving into the waves of sleep, he prayed for the welfare of Tenma.
A week later
A week has passed within a blink of an eye. After THAT encounter with Kyousuke, Ken made sure to protect Tenma all week. He put a stop to Kyousuke's advances and made sure that Kyousuke was far away from Tenma. He knew that this day would come. He didn't want to leave as he now knew what would happen to Tenma if he left. He couldn't even take Tenma back to Raimon because wherever Tenma was, his plight was the same. He felt disgusted at himself for not being able to provide Tenma with all the luxuries of life.
"Take these, son. You can munch on them on the way to your home," the Eden Queen put a box filled with snacks in Ken's hand.
"Thank you," Ken said.
"Write a letter when you reach Raimon. Okay, Ken?" the Eden King asked between coughs.
"Sure, Yamato-san. Are you sure you're okay? You look sick," Ken pointed.
"Oh, it's nothing, dear! A clogged throat, nothing much," the King assured and Ken nodded.
"Tenma-kun, you promise me that you'll take care of yourself," Ken said in a pleading tone.
"I will, Nii-san. Thanks for everything," Tenma smiled.
"If at any time, your husband behaves inappropriately and rudely with you, do not forget that you have a brother to protect you from this world. You always know where to look for me," Ken said concernedly, for only Tenma to hear.
"I know, Nii-san. Don't worry," Tenma embraced his brother and let go after a moment as if he didn't want Ken to leave.
Ken then pulled Kyousuke into a hug. "If anything happens to my brother, I WILL kill you," he whispered dangerously.
Kyousuke's eyes widened at the savage threat. He knew Ken wasn't one who would lie. And then, Ken pulled back after conveying his message to Kyousuke.
"Thank you for taking care of me," he bowed to the Highnesses and mounted his carriage.
With one last look at Tenma, he ordered the driver to take off. Tears slid down his face uncontrollably as the fact that he wouldn't be seeing Tenma regularly like he once used to, registered. And he was sure that Tenma was crying too… This time, he wasn't there for Tenma to make it better. Both the brothers had to put the life they lived together at the back of their minds and move on. This was probably the last time they would be seeing each other in a long time. That striking realization pained their hearts to no end. Their sweet life together as brothers was going to become nothing but… A faded memory…
Six months later
Time flies… That isn't entirely false. Time sure did fly for Tenma. It had been six months since he was married to Tsurugi Kyousuke, since he became Tsurugi Tenma. Living with Kyousuke wasn't so difficult. He was strong, intelligent, handsome and powerful in the way he carries himself. Tenma never mouthed off again after that incident. He usually followed Kyousuke's orders without talking back. As long as he was good, Kyousuke didn't punish him. And, he was proud of himself that in these six months, never once he received any punishment from Kyousuke.
His daily routine contained of waking up in his shed he's grown accustomed to, clean himself of the previous day's grime, give a relaxing massage to Kyousuke, watch Kyousuke practice his sword striking – his master was back and Kyousuke was half way through his practical study, spend lots of alone time in the garden tending to the bushes and flowers, eat twice a day and get back to sleep. Twice or thrice a week, he had to wash his clothes for re-use.
Overtime, Tenma grew fond of the Royal Physician, Shindou Takuto. Tenma admired and respected him a lot. The one thing he liked most of all was that Takuto never biased male bearers from the others. To him, everyone was equal. He even offered to teach Tenma, the science of medicine. Tenma happily obliged. After all, he had so much free time on his tab so, he wanted to utilize it well. Kyousuke wouldn't spend with him and no one else does. So, he had lots of time to study and learn how to brew basic medicines for cuts, flu, muscle sprains and so on.
After the threat Ken posed at him, Kyousuke was extra careful in dishing out orders to his wife. He knew that he had all rights over Tenma and also that Tenma would never ever tell his brother of their personal life but he couldn't get Ken's violent voice out of his head. Tenma always carried out his commands perfectly. He never complained or whined, no matter what the task. A work assigned to Tenma would be coated with perfection. Kyousuke was one hundred percent sure of that. He gets his body massaged by Tenma before or while bathing and he's been doing that for the past three months. It really helps him for a better day. And he slapped himself inwardly many times for ordering Tenma to massage his back the one day his favorite maids weren't available. After the taste of Tenma's service, he couldn't let go of it.
One fine day, Kyousuke was practicing archery by releasing the arrows while riding a horse,
"Prince, you're summoned by His Majesty," a guard told him.
Kyousuke stopped his horse and got down, nuzzling his horse with his fingers. His horse was pure white and had light golden tail hairs.
"Will be back soon. Stay, Shinju," he told his horse.
After placing his weapons aside, he asked his master for permission and took leave temporarily to meet his Father. The Eden King was resting on his bed in his room when Kyousuke arrived.
"Father?" he called out, without going in.
"Ah, Kyousuke! Get in, son," he invited, sitting up.
"Is your health okay, Father? You don't look so good," Kyousuke asked.
"I'm absolutely fine, Kyousuke. Just tired. Nothing to worry," the King lied.
"I've heard you asked for me."
"Oh, yeah! You've got an invitation from the Raimon King and the Queen. They're inviting you and Tenma for a few days."
"Really?" Kyousuke asked doubtfully.
"Ryuu said it was Ken's idea. Ken sent a special invite signed under his OWN name. Can you believe that? That kid is really good," Yamato said and laughed.
"What is so good in sending a personal invite?" Kyousuke frowned, the memory of the threat still fresh in his mind.
"I didn't say he was good because he sent a personal invitation, Kyousuke. He's just good, as a person. Ideal to be a King," Yamato trailed off.
"I told you, Father. Please, for the sake of Heaven, do not compare us. Yes, I agree that we're of the same age and he's better than me in everything. But, this is me! I'm sorry if you're offended but I'm working on becoming you," Kyousuke said angrily.
"Becoming me?" the King asked, surprised.
"Yes, you because you're my ideal King. One day, I want to be the King you are now," Kyousuke said with bowed head.
"Bless you, son. I hope to see the day you rule this Kingdom," Yamato smiled.
"I will, Father. I'll make you proud," Kyousuke smiled back.
"So, you can pack your things now and start by evening. What do you say?"
"Sure. I'll let Tenma know too."
Instead of sending the message to his waiting master through a maid, Kyousuke himself told his master of the situation and took a week off from the practice. His master told him to practice the already taught skills daily and left. Kyousuke then took Shinju to the stables.
"Missing me already, girl?" Kyousuke chuckled when his horse nuzzled against his cheek.
"I'll be gone a week or so. Behave, Shinju. Don't break the stables again," Kyousuke pat the horse and left to find Tenma.
Argh! Where is he?! He's not in his shed or garden... Where might he be? Yes! Takuto-san! He rushed to Shindou Takuto's room. Finding the door open, he peeked in silently to see two men sitting on the floor. Tenma was engrossed in his book and Takuto was reading another book. After a few minutes of watching the two of them and also witnessing Tenma receiving an explanation for his doubt, Kyousuke knocked the open door.
"Kyousuke-kun?" Takuto got up and so did Tenma.
"Takuto-san, I'm here for Tenma."
"You need anything, Kyousuke-sama?" Tenma piped in.
"Well, yeah. I need you to come with me and pack your things. We're going to your abode tonight," Kyousuke informed, scratching the back of his head.
"You mean, my parents' house, Raimon Kingdom?" Tenma queried.
"Yes, that's what I meant."
For a moment, Tenma's facial features expressed fear. Tenma expertly hid them behind a smile and thought no one noticed the very slight mood change. But, Kyousuke did. And he didn't know why Tenma would be afraid to go to his own home. He should be the happiest person on the earth, right?
"Ken-san sent the invite," Kyousuke mentioned.
Tenma's face lit up like the sun as he pounced onto Kyousuke, catching him off guard. They fell to the floor with Tenma atop Kyousuke. Takuto chuckled heartily at the sight.
"Nii-san? Let's pack immediately. It's been too long since I've talked to Nii-san. I miss him soooo much!" Tenma dragged the "so" part.
"Tenma, I understand that you're missing your brother and yes, we're leaving tonight. Now, get off me, stupid!" Kyousuke groaned.
"Oh, sorry!" Tenma shuffled into a standing position and helped Kyousuke up.
"You kids are adorable together," Takuto said, ruffling Tenma's hair.
"Takuto-san, you're embarrassing me!" Tenma exclaimed, blushing red.
"Happy journey," Takuto wished.
"Thank you," the couple chimed together and left to pack their things.
The Eden King and the Queen bid goodbye to the pair. Tenma and Kyousuke were seated in one horse cart while the presents sent by Yamato and Shun, along with the luggage, were in another cart. A few guard accompanied the pair for Kyousuke's safety. After all, he was the Prince, the would-be King of Eden.
The pleasant evening turned into a dark night and the wind wasn't being gentle. It wasn't strong too. But, the wind wheezed around a bit fiercely – an indication of an upcoming storm, a heavy one at that. Kyousuke ordered the driver to pick up their pace before the storm hit them.
"Say, Tenma… Earlier, when I told you that we're going to your parents' place, you showed fear. Why is that?" Kyousuke interrogated.
"You must've been mistaken, Kyousuke-sama," Tenma chortled nervously.
"Now, now, don't lie. You know better that lying to me," Kyousuke warned.
"It's nothing, really! I was just… surprised," Tenma mumbled, hugging his knees to his chest.
Kyousuke, noticing Tenma's uneasiness, let it slide, for now.
"Hungry?" Kyousuke asked.
"Yes, I am," Tenma groaned.
"You could've told me that you were starving," Kyousuke pointed, pulling out some boxed from the only bag that they carried in their cart, apart from Kyousuke's sword.
"I wanted to wait till you finish your dinner, like I always do," Tenma said shyly.
"I know that. Here's your share," Kyousuke put some food on the lid of the opened box and pushed it towards Tenma. He kept his share of food in the box itself.
"Thank you so much, Kyousuke-sama," Tenma hungrily dove into the offered food.
"Hey, slow down! The food's not running away," Kyousuke said while eating his share slowly.
"I'm very hungry, Kyousuke-sama," Tenma said with stuffed mouth.
"Stupid," Kyousuke mumbled.
After having their dinner, they've decided to sleep in turns because someone needed to keep watch, irrespective of the guards trolling alongside them. It would be the early hours of dawn when they reach the Raimon Kingdom and they wanted to use the time for a good rest.
"Kyousuke-sama, you go to sleep first. I'll keep watch," Tenma offered.
"You're good for nothing in protecting me, Tenma, don't you forget that. So, you can sleep."
Tenma got used to such words and he didn't bother anymore.
"I'm fine, I don't require much sleep," Tenma lied while fighting against a yawn.
"Fine. Wake me up if anything's wrong," Kyousuke ordered before making himself comfortable in the cart.
Tenma rested his head against the dome of the cart while scrutinizing the sleeping form of his husband.
"Good night, Kyousuke-sama," he whispered low so as to not wake Kyousuke up.
After a very long while, Tenma could no longer fight the sleep and so, he woke Kyousuke up.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't control any longer," Tenma apologized.
"It's good you woke me up. Wouldn't want you dozing off and losing the watch on our surroundings, would we? Get some rest," Kyousuke said and Tenma fell into a deep dreamless sleep.
I need to know the reason why you were afraid back then when I informed you about the trip. Has something happened to you when you were at your home? What could possibly happen? You're a Prince and you would be rolling in luxuries, just like every other prince… Kyousuke kept on thinking while staring at Tenma's childish face.
"I think I hate you less, day by day… Ugh!"
Tenma was sure that he wasn't dreaming. Then where are these sounds coming from? And why aren't we moving? Have we reached already? With these thoughts in mind, Tenma sleepily sat up in the cart. Rubbing his eyes of the traces of sleep, he looked around and came to a conclusion that they've stopped. But Kyousuke wasn't around.
"Kyousuke-sama?" he called out, getting down onto the forest land.
The guards weren't there too. It was just him and the two carts. He thought that Kyousuke abandoned him when he heard a loud clatter of swords. Rounding the corner of the cart, he saw that Kyousuke was fighting someone. Overcome with the sudden desire to help his husband, he took a step forward and came in contact with a hard thing. He looked down to find the body of a person. There wasn't too much light but with the little amount, he made out the face of the fallen being. He was their driver! He clamped his mouth shut with his hands to stifle a scream of horror. It was then the realization dawned upon him.
They were trapped.
"Kyousuke-sama!" he screamed and ran towards his husband.
Six or seven people with swords were fighting Kyousuke. It was wrong! It was unfair! They were fighting against ONE man which goes against the rules of sword fighting. He didn't know for how long they were fighting but he noticed that each of them sported some cuts and they were tired.
"Tenma, run!" Kyousuke yelled, noticing Tenma.
"But-!" Tenma was saying.
"Get out of here! I can't fight them for long! Go back to our Kingdom and let someone know about this!" Kyousuke managed to say while fighting back the strikes of the enemy.
"I won't leave without you!" Tenma stood his ground.
Kyousuke was too involved in warding off the pests of the enemy Kingdom to pay concentration on what Tenma was saying. He was tired from the inside out and he knew he couldn't fight off these men single-handedly. While he was slicing through the skins of some, one of them silently crept up behind him. That man was successful in slicing through Kyousuke's left shoulder. Kyousuke uttered an animalistic cry in pain and fell down to the ground on his knees at the impact.
"No…" Tenma whispered as tears gushed out of his eyes.
How to save his husband… He did not know…
Ah... I guess it is a cliffhanger... Is it?
It took me so much time to finish this chapter... Phew!
What do you think guys? It's great to know your thoughts... So, don't forget to hit the review button!
Bye.
~Wheezy.
