Fubuki no Kaen
Authors: Xan and Vallen
Rating: R
Warnings: One thing… Or, lot's of things: This is a story with eventual yaoi/shounen ai/slash, whatever you want to call it. If that sort of stuff isn't your thing, then don't read it. But, we hope that you do…
Disclaimer: The characters Marth and Roy, plus "Altea", do not belong to us. We just use them for our pleasure.
Feedback: Yes. (That means we would love to hear from you and what you think!)
Notes:
Vallen: Yo, this is us! What's happenin'? I realize that it's been a long time, but we've been quite lazy… You may think that this chapter is a little boring, but bear with us! The next few chapters are going to be pretty intense… But not this one. Hey, be nice, tho… It took me a while to type up. This chapter is 18 pages (handwritten, that is) long! Also, there is a major time jump…
Xan: Sorry that this chapter took so long to get out, but maybe the double-length makes up for it! We're approaching the beginning of the end, so savor it y'all!
Thanks to: Li Kayun (Oh they will eventually. In the meantime, we have way too much fun writing it.), Sinnatious (Yes yes, greedy readers! And yes poor Marth. *sniff* Roy with a heart... nah. he's heartless! hee, i like this bowing thing...), Spade (Gah! Trying to turn the tables on US, eh? Well, I am very sorry but we have the upper hand! Yes, Rowen is annoying, but we love him anyways. He's just so cool!), Dark Comet (Huggle! Everybody huggle Marth and Roy! *huggles them* And thanks for the cookies! Yum!), LiL PriNCeSs Me (Yes, angst is fun. It's what Vallen lives for, but I'm a comedy fan myself. Weird, huh?), Valimalirit (Rowen SCARES you? *bursts out laughing* Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, but I find that hysterical. He is kind of a psycho old man... *giggle*), Morias (Yes people are beginning to put pressure on us to get them together... I guess we can only string you guys along for so long, eh? and they have earned it! Poor babies! Hee... Roy has better lines 'cause Marth doesn't say anything. *giggle* the silent type...), Spanish Ninja Sneasel (Wow, thank you so much for that epic review! Your analysis of the fiery personality fits both Roy and yourself very much [at least in my humble opinion] and we're always happy to let you babble! We love it in fact! Roy can be a sweetie, he just never does. Stupid boy. And you're very welcome! We try to write for you guys the way we like to read stuff, so we're so glad that you enjoy it! [and thank you very much for saying what I could not. Thank you thank you thank you]), Pichu*Star (Yes, very kawaii! And thanks for that bit about the horses! That was my own little personal Xan-touch. *watches vallen inhale popcorn* Wow, I think you just got a new best friend. And thanks for the chocolate!), Pissed off (Wow. I'm really sorry you feel that way. I respect your opinion and your thoughts on our work, but there's really no reason to get uncivil about it. Yes, we care very deeply about Roy, contrary to what you implied but these last few chapters were just a little Marth-centered. Roy is the focus of more later on. So if you be patient, you'll get what you want.), BLW, GoggleGirl + Black Bandit (One of the best fics on the site! Thanks! Hope you like the rest of it!), Belldandy (Yes, Marth is kind of like that... he feels responsible for everything. Stupid projects! Don't the teachers know that fanfiction is so much more important!), Klar (Aw, I'm sorry but it's gonna be winter for a while longer! But things heat up soon. *nudge nudge wink wink to Vallen* HEE! And I'm sorry you didn't know we updated! We try to spread the word, but some people miss the memo. *drools* Yes, red hair is sooo sexy... even tho I'm a marth fan. *drools*), Marth-Roy-Fan (*is hugged* eee! hugs!), YoshiMars (Yes, a Marth fan AND a Rowen fan! We luvs you! It was a very cute chapter, although not so great for marth. it gets better for both of 'em later tho.), The Flame Panther (Hey, I know what Warcraft is! Sorta... Glad you liked the chapter!), GSfailure (pathetic? Oh well i'm glad you changed your mind... More and further proof that FNOK is addicting! bwaha!!), chibi fairy (well, all good things must come to an end, but not any time soon I promise! yay, we're in yer top three! hooray!!)
Two months passed while Marth and Roy lived in Rowen's cabin. In that time, the Prince and the General did not speak one word to each other. Neither of them really knew why, but that's just the way it was.
While Marth's mage training with Rowen developed, Roy took the time to go out in the woods to train himself, touching up on his swordplay. And on days when the cold was unbearable, he spent them shut up inside the room. He was not inclined to speak with Marth and it seemed the same way with the other young man.
One night, Rowen and Marth headed in from a long day of exercising the ex-prince's abilities. The Master Mage had a look of severe concentration upon his face as he took out another book and flipped through the pages quickly.
"Marth, I have nothing left to teach you," He said firmly.
Marth started, looking at Rowen with faint surprise.
"Surely I cannot have learned everything there is to know about magic in a mere two months, Rowen," He said.
"That's right, you haven't, but I have come to the extent of my teaching ability. When I went through training, so very long ago, I went to a specialized school, but they've done away with those and I am unable to teach you the most difficult magic I know," the middle-aged magic user explained with a sigh. "It would take several years for you to learn all I know, and I don't think you have that much time to sit around and watch Altea be corrupted."
Rowen let out another heavy sigh and looked tired all of the sudden. Then he glanced up at his pupil, noting how much he had changed under his direction during the months.
Marth had grown since he had arrived nearly dead on Rowen's doorstep, both in physical and magical strength. He had put on muscle and lost that gaunt, scared look that he had acquired as a slave in Trave's castle. By this time, his hair was long enough to pull back into a short horsetail, which he wore frequently. His face, however, had not lost its typical expression of ice. His powers had increased quite dramatically, as had his control over them. He could perform several feats of non-ice magic now and his own particular brand of magic was much stronger.
Now Marth's face tightened.
'No, I do not. My country is dying in the hands of my uncle. I can hear it cry to me.' He picked up Falcion and sheathed it. 'It's time for it to stop.'
'You are everything I could have hoped in a pupil, Marth. Thank you for allowing me to train you… When do you wish to leave? Granted, I will supply you with all that you require and a map with the quickest route to the capital.'
'Thank you for teaching me, Rowen.' Marth looked into the man's amethyst eyes with his own deep blue, gratitude shining in them. 'I thank you for everything with all my being. As for our departure, I need to speak with Roy.' He paused, hesitant to talk to the boy-general after so long.
"Hm." The hermit mused, glancing in the direction of the room, then back to the exiled prince. "You're sure you want to talk with him? I can do it if you'd like."
'I would appreciate it, Rowen,' Marth said gratefully. 'I don't think either of us is ready to break the silence between us…Yet.'
Rowen snorted.
"I understand. What would you like me to say to the brat? I swear, he'd better not yell at me again or I just might have to delay your leaving," he said, half-joking.
'He's not a brat. He's just temperamental.' Marth told him, voice even quieter than usual. 'Ask him if he would be ready to depart fairly soon.'
"No problem," the mage agreed, and then walked out.
Rowen knocked once on the door and walked in to find Roy sharpening his sword vigorously on the floor. The teen looked up at him quickly, wanting to know the reason for the intrusion. Roy had not changed much during the time they had been at the hermit's, but his hair had grown longer and darker, so his headband was even more useful than before. The auburn locks tended to grow more in the front, so his eyes were hidden some of the time, but the fire in them had not gone out- It was brighter.
He was wearing a simple pair of slim black breeches and a heavy wool dark red shirt that had been Rowen's, so it was obviously too big, but kept him warm. He put his sword up and stared at the mage.
"What?"
"Marth would like to know if you would be ready to leave soon."
"Leave?" Roy's eyes shined happily and he smiled his first small smile in months. The teen almost looked like a normal boy just before he composed himself back into the general. "Tell him that I can leave whenever he wants."
The amethyst-eyed man nodded and left to relay the message. He didn't like playing a messenger, but this was a special case.
'I heard. You don't need to tell me.' Marth told Rowen before the Mage had gotten too far. 'Please tell him that I intend to leave early tomorrow.'
Rowen stopped in mid-walk and turned back to Roy.
"He wants to leave early tomorrow morning. I suggest you prepare your horse and I shall give Marth the supplies you'll need." Then he left for the final time.
The auburn-haired teen watched the mage leave and snorted, sheathing his sword. He stood up and exited through the window, walking around the stable to his black horse.
Marth made their supper that night, his and Roy's last in the little cottage. It was filling, but still strangely bittersweet. The exiled Prince had truly enjoyed his time here in the wildlands of Altea, but he knew that he had you leave and do what he had to do.
Rowen was busy packing the supplies he could afford to give into packs that would fit nicely on the horses back. He included some bread, dried fruits and meat, a few changes of clothing, and some hunting tools. The mage entrusted Marth with a map and compass, explaining to him the route they should take.
The boy-general took care of both the horses diligently, rubbing them down, then giving them a good brushing.
"You've been an excellent hose so far," he told the black mare, recalling some childhood skill and braiding her forelock, along with some of her mane. Roy shifted his eyes to the grey stallion, his eyes narrowing slightly when he saw into the horse's eyes.
"Are you jealous? I could braid you hair too, but I don't know if His Highness would like that. Stand still- I'm going to brush you some more."
The teen moved over to Marth's horse, brush in hand, and started to comb the stallion's wild mane, untangling the knots that had accumulated over time.
The mage closed his purple eyes for a moment, stopping in mid-sentence, then opened them to gaze at his pupil again.
"You understand the path and road situation, correct? But if you get lost, there's always the compass and your instinct."
Marth nodded.
"I understand, but I have a feeling that I won't get lost. Like I couldn't get lost if I tried, as if I was being pulled…" He stopped, shaking his head. "I sound crazy. Thank you, Rowen."
"No, it is not crazy. I expected as much from you and your power. You have been waiting, anticipating this even for so long, and now that you are so close, nothing can stand in your way," the wise mage told him, and then spoke once again, a glitter in his eyes. "I'd wish you luck, but luck is for people who need it.
Marth gave him a rare, genuine smile with a hint of malice hidden deep within his icy cobalt eyes.
"I'd wish him luck if he didn't hate him so much." He stood up. "It's time to go. Roy is out in the stables already."
Rowen sighed, straightened himself up, and then extended a hand for Marth to shake.
"So it is. I won't lie and say that I won't miss you, but I do wish you well on your journey. Farewell Marth… Perhaps we shall meet again?"
"That I am sure of," Marth replied, shaking Rowen's hand firmly. "Perhaps when I am King I shall summon you to the castle and make you break your hermit ways.
The amethyst-eyed man let out a short chuckle.
"Sure, sure… We'll see, Marth," he said, released the exiled prince's hand, and led him to the front door.
"Go to your destiny.
Marth inclined his head, seized Falcion and calmly walked away from the cabin and the mage, never once looking back.
Cloud had somehow cajoled Roy into braiding his mane and was arching his neck proudly when Marth walked in the stable. His sharp eyes saw that Roy was ready to go and he immediately busied himself with adjusting and checking Cloud's tack. It took mere minutes and he swung himself up on his horse's back with a glance behind him to Roy.
The former general did not meet Marth's eyes, but slung a pack on his back and mounted his own mare. Without a word, Roy dug his heels into the black horse's sides and cantered off. He settled at a fair speed so that Marth could catch up if he wanted to, for the ex-prince had the map and compass.
It was in the small hours of the morning, so it was still quite dark. The only light was from the sun peeking over the ridges of the hills. Roy had been eager to leave for two months and now that they had, there was no bigger relief. The teen reminded himself that the winter was almost halfway through, so that brought him some comfort. He would have to stand the biting cold for a few more months, and then it would be over. But he knew Marth liked the weather…
'Hn.' Roy thought, hearing Cloud and the former royal ride up.
"We're in the northern outskirts of the country, so we'll need to ride south. There's a village about two or three days from here where we can get more supplies and anything else that we may need." Marth said quietly, the first words that he had spoken to the general in over two months.
"Acknowledged," the teen replied with a mental sigh. He hadn't done as much riding as he had wanted over the time that they had spent at Rowen's, so being on a horse for three days was going to hurt.
They rode south all morning and all afternoon before mutually deciding to stop and eat. The exiled young men secured their horses and sat down to eat a simple meal of bread and dried fruit. Every few minutes or so, Roy would glance up from his food and look at Marth. He coughed and averted his eyes.
"So… Your training… I trust it went well?" He mumbled.
"Yes, it went well." Marth answered quietly, picking at his bread. "I hope those months weren't too boring for you…"
"They were," Roy replied shortly, packing away the excess food that they had gotten out. "Do you want to camp here now or ride into the night and hope we find something?"
"The town we're trying to get to isn't for a few more day and there's nothing between there and here. Rowen worked hard at isolating himself," Marth glanced down at the map. "And this looks as good as any to stay."
"Fine…" Roy set to making a fire and succeeded after finding the right materials. He put up his bedding right next to it and crawled in.
'That was a lot of riding… I would be happier if we rode straight to the capital, but that's not humanly possible.'
'No, it's not.' Marth thought in agreement. Then he jumped; realizing that Roy hadn't spoke aloud. He looked at him, seeing if Roy gave any sign of having heard his thought. To Marth's relief, Roy didn't.
'I heard his thoughts without trying to…' He thought with amazement.
The teen glanced at Marth quickly before closing his eyes. It would have been awkward to wish the ex-prince good night, so he didn't.
'God, why didn't he get the power to make it warmer or something? That would have been so much more useful…'
Marth's eyes narrowed, hiding his hurt. He had never asked for these powers and could certainly not choose them.
'They were certainly useful when I was saving your life,' Marth thought, and then stood with an inaudible sigh. Quietly, he draped his own unneeded blanket over Roy and returned to his place.
The night passed slowly- maybe it was because they were eager to actually get somewhere and time was against them. But when morning finally came, they gathered their things, got on their horses, and set off.
The exiled young men traveled at a fast pace, and by the time they reached the small town of Northwilde, they were nearly falling off their horses in exhaustion. This was the first mildly populated area they had been to in months…
"We're here…" Roy said breathlessly, sliding off his own exhausted horse. They had walked a bit to save the horses, but time was of the essence so the two hadn't walked very much.
Marth looked around the town. It was fairly large for a frontier village, boasting an inn, church and several small shops. People went happily about their business and children were playing in the streets. He pulled his hood up to shadow his face. It had been months, but somebody may still recognize him.
"I'll take care of the horses if you get us a room." He said to Roy.
"Sure." Roy thrust the reins into Marth's hands and walked tiredly up to the inn.
It was a fairly old establishment, but showed signs of renovations. The teen walked in and a female voice called to him,
"You lookin' for a room?"
Roy turned and saw a commonplace-looking woman seated at a desk.
"Yes… Two, actually," He said. He was not going to be stuck in the same room with the ex-royal again. There had better be two rooms open…
"You're in luck. Would you like those now?" The innkeeper inquired, standing up. "Of course, there is a down payment."
Roy sighed inwardly and gathered several coins out of his pack. He should have known that this would be expensive- the town knew that they could reel any weary customer in because there wasn't anything else for miles. After the teen was shown the rooms, he put his stuff in one of them, and then went looking for Marth. He put his aside exhaustion for the time being.
Marth was still in the stable, giving the sweating and tired horses a good brushing before retreating to whatever lodgings Roy had secured for them. Yes, he was tired, but they were more important.
"You were marvelous today. I'm sorry about working you so hard." He murmured, patting his loyal stallion fondly.
The mare snorted loudly as if to say she wanted praise as well. Roy walked in at that moment, standing in the doorway.
"I got two rooms," He announced.
"Excellent." Marth turned and stroked the mare's nose, murmuring to her as well before walking over to Roy.
"That is very good. How long do you think we'll be staying here?"
"I need at least a day to catch up on sleep and food, so you can count on that," Roy answered, handing Marth his own separate key.
"That sounds good as well." Marth needed to catch up on rest as well, especially to replenish his magic. "The horses are fine. I'm going up to my room. I do not think it would be wise for me to show my face too much…"
"I agree. We're on the second floor, okay?" Roy told him, walking up.
Their rooms were right beside one another, and had a door connecting them, but the teen would most certainly keep that locked. He left Marth there and shut his door audibly.
The ex-prince heard it and let out a small sigh.
'Do you still hate me so much, Roy?' He thought a little sadly.
Marth lay down in bed, staring up at the ceiling. He was anxious and tired of hiding. He had been waiting far too long and now wanted to take back what was rightfully his.
'I am ready.'
TBC…
Xan: *giggles* Like I said, the next chapter "heats up" quite a
bit, you lucky readers. Not that I'm saying you should be on the edge of your
seats or anything... *evil smile*
Vallen: *yaaaaawn* Wow, that was long… I know that chapter wasn't as exciting as the rest, but we made it as long as possible so you guys would enjoy it! Oh, and a href=; a fanart I drew, inspired by a scene in this chapter. Its on our a href= Group/a, so if you're not a member… Maybe you would want to check it out? Hell, don't look at MY fanart! It's awful compared to some of the others! *laughs nervously* Alright, I'm going now. I apologize for any typos!