Fourteen

choice
noun
1.
an act of choosing between two or more possibilities.
E.g "the choice between good and evil"

Roman was heading to find Dean after his conversation with Tyler - whom had gone home on the account of meeting someone because of a prior appointment - when he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the person blocking his path as he made the turn around the corner.

It was the old man who had warned him about Dean and the red moon in Bloomville. The same old man who had approached him to warn him about how it was too late for Dean…

"So you do remember me," the old man said as if he could read the grey eyed man's thoughts.

"Not hard to forget someone who banged on my door," Roman remarked. "You remembered how that went."

"The red moon king."

"Dean is not evil despite what you've said… despite what everyone has said."

"Did you honestly think that the vermilion moon was the end?" the old man quizzed him. "That because of your blood, he'll be good? Won't hurt anyone?"

"He only hurts those who are threats."

"A threat to his ruling."

"It's what any king would do."

The old man nodded. "Did you see the crows that flew near him when he was crowned? Did you notice the fear of the people in attendance of that coronation?"

Roman remembered. In particular how the woman behind him spoke of a… "Prophecy," he muttered.

"Yes. Prophecy. Was foretold long ago of the most powerful dark lord in the underworld and of the sword that can kill him."

Kill him? Roman did not like the sound of that. "A sword symbolises purification."

"It does and when evil has tainted, what do you suppose needs to happen?"

"No one is killing Dean. That's not the solution. You rehabilitate someone; you don't just hand them the death penalty."

"All the rehabilitation in the world will not work on Dean because he is destined to be a monster. Not even those so called vows you've made in front of Michael Cole. He destroyed Sheamus. He destroyed the Brotherhood. He destroyed some Bandits." The old man took a deep sigh. "This isn't the end, Roman. I… I haven't been entirely honest with you. I was sent to warn you by someone… someone who has your best interest at heart."

"Who?"

"Before his father got destroyed, he had passed on to his son information that was needed to convey to you before things get worse."

"Worse? They said my blood would be enough for him-"

"I'm not here to discuss the semantics with you, Roman. Meet him tonight in Bloomville, Ted's Bakery, nine. He'll tell you everything."

"My Lord, I apologise for missing out on this information so late."

Seth placed his pen down beside his journal and gazed at a worrisome Marek who was rubbing his right hand up and down his left arm. Usually before the brunette was up for breakfast, he would pen his thoughts down in this black book, hoping to pass it down to his future generation. History could be in the making for all he knew. "What's wrong?"

Marek gulped. "My Lord, the eclipse is upon us soon and you may wish to reconsider your decision to take down King Dean."

"I'm aware he's strong but I hardly think that is a cause for concern. We'll destroy him through his sweetheart."

"No, my Lord. It's more than that. I'm not sure if your father has ever revealed to you the consequences of an eclipse especially when it comes to him. He tried various ways to get rid of him including through Roman. There is a lot at stake here."

"What are you talking about? What kind of stake?"

"The kind that will have us running for our lives."

Seth leaned back against his chair just as King Jack walked into his room with King Brian Kendrick. "Gentlemen," he greeted. "To what do I owe the honor of your unannounced companies?"

"Marek sent out the word for us to come," Brian answered.

Seth turned to the man in question. "You're that scared, Marek?"

"We all should be," Jack interrupted. "Your man isn't lying, Seth. When that moon overshadows that sun, dark times lie ahead of us and everyone in this realm including the small islands. No one will be laughing then, I can assure you. The prophecy states that he is the rightful ruler of the underworld… the prophecy meant this."

"There is no way to stop Dean now. What makes you think we can prevent this?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying; we can't stop this from happening. We need allies that will keep us in his good graces to survive."

Seth thought hard. Allies like whom? Certainly not Jon or Leakee. Just one particular person whom Dean would always protect. "Roman is the only one I can think of."

"Exactly. That's whom we'll need in our corner: Roman."

Roman held his breath in as he watched Dean ponder over his decision.

Having explained to him in private about the island with Tyler, his boyfriend listened patiently without interrupting to his surprise. Now here they were, both Dean and him, standing at the courtyard… waiting for a yes or no.

He didn't want to sneak behind Dean's back and have him worried and then end up being upset with him. That would definitely make his boyfriend's trust in him falter but at the same time, he didn't know what else to do should Dean disagree.

Before he could get any answer, a guard came near Dean to inform him of a visitor who wished to speak with him in private.

"Is she a blonde?" Dean asked pointedly.

"No, Sire," the guard informed. "It's not Princess Renee. It's actually King Dudley. He wishes to speak to you about a problem he's been having with acquiring some goods back from Ted Dibiase."

"And that's something I have authority to deal with?"

"Sire, your father did the same."

Dean asked the guard to excuse both of them for a moment. He turned to Roman with a smile. "Duty calls."

"You need my advice on this?" Roman enquired.

"Well, you're supposed to be standing by my side every time someone comes over," his boyfriend explained. "Lord knows what they're hoping for."

"Their goods back evidently."

"Mmmm." Dean wounded his arms around his neck. "And I should care because…?"

"Because you're king."

His boyfriend pressed his lips against his gently. "I may be king here but you're the king of my heart."

Roman couldn't stop the wide smile that spread across his face. "Dean."

The two men kissed quietly for a bit before reluctantly breaking it to head to the hall for the unannounced guest.

Roman stood on the right side as Dean took his place on the throne. Time for his duties he supposed. Now that he thought about it, this was such a far cry from how he had pictured his life to be when he was a kid.

When King Dudley - a pot bellied short brown haired man - entered the hall with a smaller sized man wearing a green bandana, Roman squared his shoulders before announcing, "You are in the presence of King Dean, ruler of the Midlands."

The red moon king, the little voice in his head silently betrayed him. Great. Now he couldn't get that out of his head.

"This is King Dudley," the smaller man introduced. "Ruler of Brightland."

"State your business for this visit," Dean said in a no nonsense tone.

King Dudley seemed to be surprised at this as Roman was; his boyfriend went three sixty the moment he sat down there. "Dean, I'm here today to ask you for your help to take someone down," he stated. "Ted Dibiase."

"And why should I be involved in this?"

"Your father used to help us with matters like this. He'd send a diplomat to talk to him. Usually it's because Ted likes to feel important."

"Feel important? Really?"

"He has a history of that. Wishes to be acknowledged for his position."

"And what position is that? They claim to have no need for monarchies there."

"Or so they think. There have been rumors about a rebellion of sorts headed for the entire underworld. We have reason to believe that Ted is behind this as well."

Roman wondered if the islands had anything to do with it.

Dean shrugged. "So send a spy."

"Well, we have, Dean," King Dudley revealed. "We're waiting for information as we speak. You will find kings coming up to you a lot these few days because it is becoming a growing concern. You're the strongest amongst all of us. And unpredictable. These will throw all those rebels off their guard. It will give us the edge."

Roman risked a look to see Dean smiling wryly. What was going through his head?

"Perhaps it will come to us taking them down," Dean softly said. "Perhaps it won't. I need to see how this will benefit me."

King Dudley's eyes were now as huge as golf balls. "Dean, if they take down the entire underworld-"

"They won't."

"The only benefit is that we'll be safe… which means you'll be safe. That's all."

"You needn't worry about my safety, King Dudley. If anyone should be worried, it's those clowns with their so called invasion. But taking your words in consideration, I'll see what I can do for you and the rest."

"See? Dean, this is serious business."

"The answer will be favorable. I just need to work on the mechanism." On that note, Dean stood up. "I thank you kindly for your visit."

No sooner than Dean had turned his back, Roman found King Dudley heading straight for him. Upon reaching, the king whispered, "I'm begging you. Please try to get through to him. This invasion is not a joke. It's going to happen."

"I don't think that it's a joke to him," Roman disagreed. "He is capable of handling them."

"You know this?"

"I've seen this."

That seemed to have satisfied King Dudley who stared at Roman before making his leave, allowing the King's advisor to sigh out loud. Roman wondered if what was brought forth earlier had something to do with whatever the mysterious person wanted to share with him later.

The Samoan made his way back to the courtyard next, wanting to get some fresh air when something whizzed past him hitting the wall.

Roman turned and saw that it was a bow. Another came, missing him once more. Scrambling up the stairs, he ran in as more bows were shot. Immediately he found guards running outside and shooting back upwards towards some men sitting on top of the castle wall edge.

Several shots were fired before the men toppled down. Their clothing gave him pause… that logo...

Dean came running up to him then, eyes dancing with worry. "Roman, are you okay?"

"It barely hit me but-"

"They were aiming for you."

"All clear, Sire," Drew announced, stepping back inside the hall. "They were from the Bandits."

The Bandits! Of course! But why were they after him? Hadn't they wanted to protect him?

Dean seemed to be thinking about the same thing too when he questioned, "So now the outcasts want to harm Roman too?"

Emma Ambrose-Reigns loved her grandmother; loved her whole family really.

As she held the Merlin storybook in her hand while her grandmother was browsing a magazine while waiting in line at Books N More, she wondered if her daddies were going to be okay. They had so much on their hands it seemed from the conversations she happened to overhear by accident.

Her family.

Once upon a time, she had none.

None of the kids had wanted to play with her or even associate with her. They often teased her instead for wearing that mask - placed on her by one of King Hunter's servants - and pushed her around, tripping her while she walked at times.

She didn't know why they did it and some of them bragged to her how they were going to have a new mummy and daddy.

Emma had lost her mummy and daddy. She didn't know where they were, only that their home had strange men enter inside, bringing all three of them to King Hunter's castle.

And that was the last she had seen them. One of the servants told her that they were gone.

She missed them so much and for a long time, she was convinced she'd be alone forever.

Until one day, one of the knights told all the kids in the preschool to go and sing a song to wake up Daddy in bed. Since she couldn't sing - or talk - she was told by one of the boys to stand one corner.

And when Daddy had woken up and chased them away, she was convinced that he would be yelling at her next. But at the same time, she could sense his kindness as well. He had a pure heart, she could tell.

And since it was her first time acknowledging her intuition, she decided to stretch her hands out to him, hoping that he'd accept her into his life.

She hadn't counted on him accepting her into his heart.

Grandma gently steered her in front. "Let's go, Princess. Only two more and it's our turn."

At the mention of the word princess, Emma's next thoughts were on Papa Dean. She could feel how alike they were and she knew he wouldn't turn her away. Despite the darkness in him, he had a light that shone from within.

And when he healed her scars, she was forever thankful to him. Papa was strong; Papa was not to be messed with.

Especially since they almost lost Daddy for good. Emma's heart had been broken. If it wasn't for Daddy, she wouldn't have a home. But thankfully all was good and he was back.

Oh how she can't wait to go home and show to them both her new book. Daddy would certainly read to her - his love for books rubbed off on her - and Papa could reenact. She barely spent time with either of them and hoped they could do so soon.

Emma would wait patiently; she was very good at that.

Dean was not a patient man right now.

As he listened to Renee once again explain her reasons for seeking his help, he stood up from his throne. "Renee, I've grown wary of this talk. You come here almost every day-"

"Because Ted Dibiase is not to be trusted!" Renee replied.

"If he's not to be trusted, then why does your family do business with him?"

"Because we're spying on him. We have reasons to suspect that he's planning a coup d'état against everyone in the mainlands."

Dean stared at her. Great. So it was true; a whacko who wanted a new way of governing. No matter; destruction was coming for him.

"My brother's best friend has overheard them, my Lord," Renee continued. "A commoner who sells flowers and has a family. While delivering seeds, he overheard two guards talking outside the Ted's mansion." Renee seemed like she was ready to burst into tears. "Please. You have to help us. You're our last hope."

Dean could feel his resolves melting at this point. They had to be linked somehow though: Ted, those Bandits, the islands…

And then there was Roman who almost got assassinated by one of them. The underworld was no safe place for him. Dean couldn't allow him to live here as long as his neck was on the line. The only safe place for him was in Bloomville; maybe Finn could keep an eye on him.

"They almost got Roman," Dean revealed to her softly. "They've been following him."

"My Lord, the underworld is not a safe place for him. You have to send him to a place that they'll never think to find him."

Never think to find him… Dean searched mentally for places he could send Roman to and then remembered one place he had been to before… several years ago on his eighteenth birthday.

But first, he needed to run by his decision with his father. Ordering one of the guards close by to bring Renee to the dining hall to eat first, he was about to go search for Mark when Drew called out to him. "Sire, if I may speak with you about a serious matter… something that has echoed in the halls."

This caught Dean's attention. There were whispers now in his own kingdom? He nodded to the older man to continue. "Go on."

"There have been talks of an eclipse coming about in a few days time. This eclipse is supposed to affect you."

"What do you mean?"

"It is supposed to bring about your darkness… it will overtake you, Sire. There'd be no more good left in you. Your destiny would come into play."

Dean widened his eyes. "You mean that they'd be under my ruling?"

"That was what the implication was."

"When you say the whole…"

"Everything, Sire. Including the islands."

"Is this unavoidable?"

"No, Sire. My apologies."

Several things crossed Dean's mind then: Roman and his safety, Emma and her safety… and power. More power than he had ever imagined.

The eclipse would also make sense considering how his weasel of a "brother" told him that he had darkness in his soul, how everyone had kept on harping that he'd turn evil… perhaps this was what they were talking about.

Everything under his ruling sounded tempting to him. As far as Drew's concern of danger went, the only thing Dean could imagine is how the other kingdoms would not be pleased that he'd be the one ruling over everything instead of them… this silent war that had been ongoing.

Yes, Dean knew about it. Roman had told him everything that the sorcerer had said.

At the thought of his boyfriend, Dean wondered why having Roman at his side wouldn't make a difference this time around. Wasn't he the reason why nothing had happened so far? Because no one knows Roman is the sword, he reminded himself.

Maybe Roman being sent away would be a good way to put that theory to the test…

Dean didn't want to be stopped and he knew his boyfriend the care bear would do just that.

Aloud, he said, "We'll see what happens then should this eclipse come about. I wouldn't lose sleep over it, Drew. Besides, even if I did turn evil, it's not something that should bother everyone. Long before I took the throne, everyone was living a life filled with carnage, lies, lust and vengeance."

That seemed to be slap to Drew's face. "That is true, Sire but some of us were tired of those lecherous ways."

"Well, there's no telling now is there, Drew? Of this supposed change. We'll only know in a few days."

"That we will."

Otwrick stared at the sky as strong winds blew outside his castle, wondering why more crows seemed to be flying towards the midlands and the trees that surrounded had leaves falling at a rapid speed.

Dread filled the sorcerer then as lessons he had learnt from his father and grandfather came back to him.

No.

No.

No.

It was coming for them and it was coming for them fast.

"Something wrong?" Rocko asked from behind him.

"Oh, Rocko," came his broken whisper, "I've horribly miscalculated the reckoning."

Dean found his father laughing about something he was reading when he entered his bedroom.

"Comic?" Dean quizzed when he closed the door behind him; he didn't want anyone else listening in.

"Hardly. It's a book of insults from various people to one another," Mark answered, putting the book aside. "Is my granddaughter back yet?"

"Nope. I actually came here to ask for your opinion."

"About what?"

"Renee has brought to my attention that there's a coup d'état being planned in secret obviously against every kingdom in the mainlands. The traitor who apparently is behind this is Ted Dibiase."

"That scoundrel from the lowlands," his father growled before he added, "I don't trust the Youngs."

"Because they're spies," Dean said.

"Of course."

"But you don't think that her story is made up?"

"Well, Dean, it's not exactly a secret that the lowlands never appreciated monarchies. But the fact that Ted is working with the islanders and the Bandits gives me great concern."

"I'm more concerned that they've already attempted to assassinate Roman."

Mark seemed tensed then. "What?"

"Several Bandits were firing arrows at him earlier at the courtyard. He narrowly escaped."

"They must know who he is to you then."

Dean paused. "There's a spy in this castle?"

"It's not entirely impossible. Son, the heart shaped eyes he's been giving you is not exactly a secret. And the fact that you're giving him admiring glances from time to time. Plus, you have Seth and Jon and who knows what they've leaked to anyone." Mark leaned forward. "What do you have planned?"

"I'm not sure to be honest. At first I thought Renee's suggestion was good."

"What did she suggest?"

"She suggested to send him to a place only he and I know about."

"Well, son, the underworld is too dangerous for both Roman and Emma."

"I'm expecting bloodshed for this so called rebellion, to be honest. I plan to massacre all of them by my hands with no remorse. If he leaves, I won't have his conscience on my back, my mind. It's not a permanent situation but I'm not playing down on how short it will be too."

"But you don't want him to go back up there."

This was the hard part. Roman was his sword and as long as he was by his side, Dean would always second guess in the back of his head about his decisions. He had every plan to tear the whole islands and lowlands apart if it ever came down to that…

On the other hand, he was also intrigued about what this eclipse could do for him.

But if Roman was up there, Dean would also worry about his safety because who knew if there were hidden enemies lurking about. Sure there was Tyler but a part of Dean would always worry no matter what.

However if what Drew said was true, then they'd be fools to come after Roman knowing what the auburn haired man would do to them. Evil or not, Roman was still his soulmate and nothing would change that.

"So what now?" his father asked.

Dean smiled slowly. "Well, now, I have something to tell you about something Drew had shared with me earlier."

"Oh?"

"Whatever happened to our brainstorming session today?" Jon complained as he popped the last bite of blueberry muffin into his mouth just as Leakee joined him at the dining table. "Are we going to discuss things or not?"

Seth rolled his eyes as he sipped his wine. "There's nothing to discuss yet."

"Oh yes there is. I want that throne."

"You've got bigger problems than that. There's an eclipse coming."

Leakee looked from the bowl of oatmeal he was eating. "An eclipse? Oh no."

Jon looked between the both of them. Never had he seen his darling look so worried. "What's wrong, Lea?"

"An eclipse is bad news. Means that something big… bad… is about to happen. Evil."

"And what does that have to do with the throne?"

Seth was looking at him as if he had grown two horns on his head. "You don't get it? Your brother will be wreaking havoc all over the underworld. The darkness would have overtaken his good side. We're all doomed."

"So?"

"So?! It's not as simple as you think. It's got many kings shaking in their boots. I'm talking him taking over this land and even the surrounding islands. We need to form an alliance with Roman if we're going to survive his wrath."

"I'm not forming any alliance with him," Jon arrogantly dismissed.

"You idiot!" Seth hissed. "He's probably the only person Dean will spare when it happens… he'll plead for us."

"Roman will plead for anyone. You should know; it's in his nature. I will destroy Dean myself if I have to. Besides, how certain are you that he'll destroy everything?"

"You've never seen Dean embrace his dark side; I have and it's not good. You don't know who you're dealing with."

"Whatever. It can't be as bad as our dads."

"Our dads are like Mickey Mouse compared to him. But you know what? It's fine if you don't believe me. The eclipse is due one of these days. You'll see for yourself. Then let's see if you'll come back and tell me that I'm wrong."

"If two people warn you about the same thing, it is a cause for concern," Roman said as he chewed on his pasta beside Dean in the dining hall. "What are you planning to do about it?"

"We'll see," Dean answered, seemingly distracted as he played about with his pasta. "I'm still thinking about it but don't worry; the Samoans will be safe; I owe you that one."

Silence fell between the two of them then. Roman's mind started to drift before he remembered the old man's request to meet the mysterious person who "had his interest at heart". Glancing at his boyfriend, he said, "Dean? I have a meeting with someone in Bloomville tonight. I'll be home as soon as possible-"

"Take your time. There's no need to hurry to come back. If it's too late, you can always stay over at our place. It's still there."

"Right." It had been a while since they've slept separately; Roman was going to miss Dean's warmth at night. "I'll make haste in the morning. Maybe I'll go earlier to meet Emma and my mum halfway."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll have Tyler escort you back to Bloomville. You can make your way to wherever you're meeting this person."

Dean was taking this nonchalantly. Usually he'd be interrogating him about people, often cautioning him. "Don't you want to know who it is?"

"I trust you," came his lover's reply.

Something seemed off but as of now, Roman's priority was meeting this person… whoever he was. "Dean-"

His boyfriend's lips came crashing towards his suddenly when Dean all but threw his fork aside. Roman moaned into the kiss when he felt Dean's tongue slip into his mouth. Oh the taste of him… the essence. All Dean. His face was cupped by his darling as the kissing intensified.

Felt as if they were saying goodbye to one another.

But the idea was ludicrous. Roman would only be gone for a day tops. He'd have to talk to Dean later about-

All thoughts flew out of his head when one of Dean's hand started to massage his crotch.

Roman tore his lips away then. "Not here, babe."

"Hmmm got carried away," Dean replied, eyes cloudy. "Sorry."

Sorry? "We've still got time-"

"Nah. You go get a warm shower and dress up. I'll get the guard prepared for you."

"What will you do when I'm gone?"

"I still have my duties, Roman. I still need to strategize."

Well that was true. There was the whole thing about Ted and those goods and the coup d'état. "When I come back, you'll share your plans with me?"

"It's likely that pretty much everything will be settled by the time you're back."

After showering and fixing his hair in a neat bun, he threw in a shirt, jeans and boxers into his backpack before leaving the room. When he reached the hall, Dean was standing beside a knight dressed in regular black hoodie and jeans.

"This is Fred," Dean introduced in a formal tone. "He'll be escorting you to Bloomville. Tyler will meet you there; he's got some business to attend to first." His boyfriend's eyes softened. "Have a safe trip."

"It's only a day… barely even twenty four hours," Roman consoled before teasing him lightly, "Try not to get married while I'm gone."

Dean's face finally brightened a little with dimples popping up. "Ha ha, Roman."

"Twenty years and you're still not bored with me?"

"Nope." A twinkle in his blue eyes. "Well maybe. You're right, Roman. Maybe I should marry while you're gone."

His boyfriend squeezed his hand before dropping it reluctantly. No. Something was wrong and Roman could feel it… it was a sinking feeling now. "Dean-"

"You better get going, Roman. I'll be right here when you get back."

Staring at his love for a while, he nodded before following behind Fred.

Roman prayed that Dean would be okay. He knew that he shouldn't worry too much, that perhaps it was just his overcaring ways as always but still…

When he looked back just before they were out the door, Dean was gone.

A/N Thank you for reading the story. I'll be making a map so that you can see where the islands and lands are in the underworld soon. As always if it's not the story for you, I understand but please spare me the nasty words and whatnot. I'd appreciate it.