Embers of a Dying Flame

Pairings: John/Adam/Randy and Jeff/Punk.

Chapter 9: False Charges

Warning: Slash, Angst, Violence, Character Death

Rating: Mature

Disclaimer: I own nothing... It's depressing as hell too.

A/N: Here we go. Don't forget to R&R. More Characters added ;) Cody Rhodes is about 17 and he works as a servant in King Shawn's Palace. Evan Brooks/Bourne is Phil's little brother and he's 13/14 years old.

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"You're sure he told him?" Prince Randy asked one of the servants who nodded his head rapidly. "Yes Milord. I heard Brooks talking to Prince Adam. He told him you sent them to die, that you killed Commander Cena, but I know you better than that Milord. I just thought you should know that Brooks was committing treason and spreading terrible rumors about you sir." the Servant explained as Prince Randy sneered at hearing Commander Cena's name. Just hearing the name of the man who tried to steal Adam from him made his blood boil with pure rage.

"Did he now? What else did he lie about?" Randy asked in a growl. "Milord he said that you were… that you wanted Commander Cena dead so that you could have Prince Adam to yourself. That's when I knew he was lying Milord. That's a disgusting rumor to spread about such a great Prince and future King." The servant continued as Randy pretended to look disgusted and innocent. The servant fell for the act Randy had learned to perfect.

"I think that's grounds for execution if you ask me Milord. I just thought you should know your own soldier was spreading disgusting lies about you, degrading your reputation." The shockingly young servant finished before gracefully sliding down to one knee, bowing before his Prince. Randy struggled to keep his rage in check at least until the young man was out of view and earshot as he pet the young man's head softly.

"Thank you Cody. I appreciate your bravery and honesty. I will see to it that Phil Brooks regrets his decision to commit treason against his royal majesty." Randy spoke slowly, a dangerous gleam in his icy blue eyes as he watched the young male bow and take his leave.

'I knew I should've killed that little fuck when he came back from the carefully planned ambush. I knew he'd be a fucking liability. Phil Brooks, you are going to pay for opening your fucking mouth, and you're going to pay the ultimate price, with your life.' Prince Randy thought to himself, clenching and unclenching his fists as he watched the retreating back of Cody Rhodes disappear down the corridor.

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"Philly!" A high pitched voice cried out as Phil opened the door to the home he shared with his 14 year old brother Evan Brooks. It wasn't even considered a house to be honest; it was more like a shack. It didn't pay very well to be a soldier, but it allowed him to buy the essentials: candles/torches when it got dark, clothes and shoes for himself and Evan and it put food on the table. Not enough to eat their fill, but enough to keep them alive and the hunger pains at bay.

"Hey Evy, How was your day?" Phil asked as he pulled the small dark haired boy into his arms, holding him like it'd be the last time. Evan returned the hug, smiling up at his older brother and caretaker. Evan's smile always brightened Phil's day when it was shitty. It was almost like a magic power. "It was okay. I finished our laundry. It's drying out back. When it's done I'll fold them." Evan told him, making Phil smile. For Evan being just 14 years old he was not only very bright, but very mature as well.

"Okay. Good job. I'm gonna go dress down, and then I'll start dinner. You must be starving." Phil muttered as he released Evan from his embrace, heading to his small room. "Okay and I sure am" Evan nodded with a slight smile as he headed out to check the clothes. Phil walked over to his small bed, setting his helmet down. Phil then untied his sword sheath from his side, setting it next to his helmet, releasing a quiet sigh as he plopped down. He leaned back, closing his eyes, resting his hands behind his head. 'Only a few minutes' he told himself mentally.

Phil didn't know how long he'd been out before he heard Evan's shrill scream cut through the silence like a hot knife through butter. Phil bolted up off the bed, straight out of dead sleep, grabbing his sword and rushing into the front room. "Evan?" He asked now completely alert as he glanced around the empty living room. He unsheathed his sword, dropping the case carelessly on the floor, as he moved to check Evan's room. No sign of Evan there either. He grit his teeth nervously, fist tightening around his sword, heart pounding in his chest as his gaze landed on the back door.

He took a deep breath before storming to the door and kicking it open. "Evan!" Phil called as panic began to set in. He glanced around seeing no sign of Evan; his heart began pounding as a scream of anger ripped from his throat, growling as he ran around the side of their home, stopping short when he heard muffled cries.

"Evan?" He yelled rushing in the direction the whimpers were coming from, all rational thought gone from his mind. The only thought on his mind was that Evan was in trouble and he needed to save him.

As he rounded the corner, he stopped short at the sight he came upon. Two of King Shawn's men were holding a struggling Evan while another stood guard, smirk grazing his lips as Phil sneered suddenly. "What is your reason for arresting him?" He demanded as the soldier not holding Evan laughed. "We haven't arrested him."

"Then why do you have him?" Phil snarled as the man's smirk widened. "Live bait." Before Phil could question the man's statement, he felt a blunt hard hit in the back of his head, and the ground was suddenly getting closer and closer until he was on it, face first. The last thing he heard was Evan's scream and Prince Randy's evil dark chuckle before everything went black.

End of Chapter 9

Please R&R. You know the drill. :D

As always thanks go out to the lovely Kassie for being my beta, because God knows my writing needs it. Thanks again lovely! I love you girlie! :D

~ Cal