Ok, so the story is coming to a close! There will be one or two chapters after this one. However, once this arc is done I will start doing fairly long one-shots (Included in this story) using characters I did NOT use in this arc. I am referring to the ones in the profile in chapter one. If you have ideas or request, include it in your review or PM!

Revenge.

It was the downfall of every great man, Ikuto knew. But he would force Tadase to repay him the past few years, where both of them were living a lie.

"I'm Commander Kiryuu." The solider stuck out his hand.

Ikuto hesitated, and took it.

His fate was sealed.

They went over the map of the castle. Ikuto had convinced him to leave Amu and take Tadase instead. With the help of a few friends in high places, Ikuto may be able to take Tadase's throne, benefits included.

Two soliders each would flank the room where Tadase most likely was. Ikuto and Kiryuu would charge straight in, and hopefully Tadase would be taken off while Ikuto cuold convince nobility to give him the throne. Kiryuu had the evidence he spoke of, and Ikuto would present it to everyone.

They handed Ikuto a sword, and proceeded forward. A few men stood guard at the gates.

They walked forward, reaching the heavy oak door that stood between them, and their goal. Commander Kiryuu took Zero's arm.

"Do you want to use this?" He said, taking out a mask.

Ikuto hesitated, taking it. He pulled it over his head. "Let's go."

Ikuto took out a dagger and began sawing down the ropes that bound the lock to the door.

"Here, let me help you with that." The commander took out a match, and struck it against the stone walls. An orange flame immediatley sprung up, and Kiryuu ran it along the rope. Flames licked each thread, until a thin, black, track was left.

"Thanks." Ikuto said. "How do you wanna do this?"

The commander put on his own mask. "You can take the King. I'll keep everyone else in line."

Ikuto nodded, and together they pushed to door open.

….

"Where the hell can they have gone?" Ikuto screamed. The room had been empty.

"Maybe they moved? What other rooms could they have gone to?" Kiryuu said, pacing the cold stone floor.

"None. At least not from here. And this is the only place all of them could fit in safely." Ikuto kicked a chair in frustration. It skidded to the opposite wall, dragging a thin carpet along with it. The floor underneath was revealed, where there was a trapdoor big enough for one person.

"Would you look at that!" Kiryuu laughed. "You have skill and luck, it seems."

But Ikuto had already rushed to the door and had opened it, revealing a ladder going down.

"I'm going alone."

"No you're not." The commander replied.

"You don't understand, I have-"

"You. Are. Not. Going. Alone. Now let's go."

They were all huddled in a cellar, Tadase hiding between them.

"Where's the King?" Ikuto asked, mask hiding his face.

They were silent. Ikuto pushed through them, looking over the crouching bodies, until he saw a familiar head of straw colored hair. "Tadase."

He looked up, fear in his eyes.

"Come with me."

"I'm not going anywhere with the likes of you." Tadase said, mustering some bravery.

Ikuto smirked. Tadase was no brave knight-he was a coward. He grabbed his arm, pulling him into the hallway. "Go with him." Ikuto said, pointing to the commander.

"Wait!" A voice cried. A feminine voice. A voice he knew all too well.

He turned around, a familiar face looking at him angrily. "Let him go!" Amu yelled.

"If you knew what he was going to do to you, you'd be singing quite a different tune, my lady." Ikuto turned around and shoved Tadase to Kiryuu.

"One of my best friends died today because of you! He died to try and save us, and I won't let him die in vain!" She took out a small dagger and rushed towards Ikuto, who took her wrist and grabbed the dagger. He dragged her to corner, and took off his mask.

"Ikuto?" Amu whispered. "But, I thought you died? And why are you with-"

"Shh. Just be patient. All will be revealed in time."

"But-"

"Amu," Ikuto said gently. "Just trust me. Please. Just this once."

"I'll trust you always, Ikuto."

"Good." And he let her go, putting his mask back on.

"Hey." Kiryuu said. "Our work here is done." He turned to Tadase. "You betrayed our trust, King. And for that you will pay."

"Please, It was a mistake, I'll give you more money and you can-"

"I didn't finish, King." He spat the word out, as if it was something red hot on his tongue. "You will pay. And the price is your life."

…..

sorry it was short ): but the next chapter will either finish the story, or I'll split in two. And then the mini stories (: