Fubuki no Kaen
Authors: Xan and Vallen
Rating: R
Warnings: One thing… Or, lot's of things: This is a story with 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: Weird chapter, really. But we'd like to know what you thought of the MILD LIME that I wrote mostly, but Xan helped a little. *point point* Yes, that's right. There is lime in this chapter. Two naked boys kissing!! If that's not your thing, don't read the latter half of the chapter. Don't worry, they don't have sex or anything- Just kissing.
Xan: Xan was not available for this chapter.
Thanks to: pannybaby123 (Hey, I'm glad that you came here by recommendation. That's great and we're glad you enjoyed all 21 chapters), Leera the Elemental Mage (I can e-mail you chapter 16 if you give me your e-mail address. If you're not comfortable writing it here, send it to xan_vallen@cliffhanger.com), GSFailure (Yes, I do realize that people who write and do not have English as their first language are getting attacked. It makes me happy that they're writing, but they should put more effort into their stories, if at all possible. Thanks for not hating me), Miru-Muru (We love conspiracies), Favri the Fisher (Translate the title? Oh, we meant it to be "Blizzard of Fire", but there are many different translations), Spanish Ninja Sneasel (Aw… *hits ff.net* The computer cheated us out of a perfectly long review! GR!) Marth-Roy-Fan (Sorry you had to wait so long!) LilFilipinoGurl (Yes, kissing is very good and we're glad you're back! We forgive you for not reviewing. Just as long as you read and enjoy.) Sherrilyn (Speechless, really? I don't think it's THAT good… Xan and I both agree that it could go through the editing machine a few more times, but thank you for flattering us so much. Oh, and the POINT was to get your addicted… Don't be ashamed), darkness88 (Haha, we're probably already dead by now… And we love being called crazy! Say it again! ^_^), klar (Thank you very very very much for the fanart! Oh, and thanks for the compliment on the magic bit! That's great! We WANT it to seem real), Spectrum (Aw, sorry you had to do that… We're only a few more chapters away from the end), Valimalirit (Ha, yeah… Predictable. But Roy has fire in the game, so why not? WAIT, you don't like yaoi???!!! Why not?! I guess you're reading this for the story and the lack of yaoi is good, eh? Well, we'll be having a lime soon… Next chapter), RcA (Yes, we love cliffhangers… Oh, and Roy won't be that way forever. You're right, he's just scared), Lil Princess Me (The best chapter yet? Hold on a few more chapters, then decide… I think I'll have a poll on the group about that), Sinnatious (Well, that's why our e-mail addy is "@cliffhanger.com"… *appreciates being bowed too* But Roy having powers now is bad-ass! Glad someone agrees with me on that), YoshiMars (We love our evilness. We also didn't want to give any hints to the next chapter…), tikimoof (Sorry! Roy won't be that way forever….), Dark Comet (Marth and Roy, sittin' in a barn, got some hay and started a farm… ACK!), Malley (Nope. We don't use "naughty words" because they are un-tasteful. I do agree… Also, Xan is a prude when it comes to writing yaoi. -_-), Pichu*Star (Marth with help Roy in every way they can! They're a couple! And about the story and how much Roy is going to use his powers… You're right), hooshi (ROY IS SO HOT! He's a little young for me in this story… Sorta… But in the sequel… *whistles* Ooooh, boy…), and Sake Girl Duelist (*pulls out super soaker* Heheheheh… *sprays* Nooo! We don't want you to go sane!). And if I missed anyone, I'm sorry! FF.NET was being a bitch!
"And… Is that what you really want? You and I? At first I thought you were joking, but now… We've been together for so long, fighting, living and traveling… that I don't think I could do it without you," The teen confessed.
The icy pressure in Marth's stomach suddenly left him and he felt an almost physical weight lift from his heart.
'I don't think I could either,' he said quietly. 'And yes, it's what I really want. I knew that it's what I really wanted before I told you the first time.'
That surprised Roy- So much that he was forced to take a step away from the real world. How long, he thought, had Marth been thinking about this? But on the other hand, there was this strange tingling in his chest, a feeling of warmth completely unlike the fever. It felt almost… nice to be thought about.
But did he return the ex-prince's exact feelings? Roy felt something, but was unsure of how to decipher it. He had pushed it aside when they has been in danger, but now that the two of them were alone together, sharing a tender moment… What was it?
"I understand," The auburn-haired teen said carefully. He had to choose his words wisely from here. "But… I know I'm being over-cautious- I can't help but wonder if you're sure this is okay?"
'I don't let go easily… If I get involved with the Prince, who knows what I'm asking for…' Roy thought privately, but now that he knew Marth could use mindspeak… were his own thoughts safe anymore?
'It is fine. I told you, I have thought this through. It is true that I am the Prince and future King and that my life is not my own, but they cannot dictate who I choose to spend it with.' He stopped. 'But if my people do rise up and protest, I'd understand if you'd want to break it off.'
Roy clenched his teeth, narrowing his eyes. He held onto Marth's shirt tighter.
"Do I look like someone who would give up?"
Marth reached up and took Roy's hands in his own, squeezing them a little.
'No, you do not. I just wanted you to know that I wouldn't blame you.' Marth paused. 'Roy, I'm very tired. I don't think I can stay away much longer.'
"Where will you go to rest? Did the villagers take care of you?" The teen asked, his eyes moving carefully around the barn- there were some animals, supplies and tools, but not much else. "I apologize for not getting you out sooner…"
'No, it's all right. You did the best you could. I would be dead by now.' Marth looked around as well. 'I could stay here. The villagers have done all they can- my body just needs some time. I will be just fine.'
Roy was silent for a while, as his eyes portrayed deep thought. He reached up with one hand to probe his outer ear, hoping to feel of hear something. The blue depths filled with dismay when there was nothing. He stared at the small fire, which was now back to its original form.
It was moving and twisting, the flames taunting him like a sadistic lover. Roy shuddered and made himself turn away.
Marth gently untwined Roy's hands from his shirt.
'Roy, I'll help you in the morning, I promise.' He leaned back in the hay and allowed his tired eyes to slide slowly closed.
"Alright… In the morning…" Roy repeated, sitting there motionlessly.
A few moments later, he reached out and touched Marth's shoulder, lightly so not to disturb the sleeping prince. A warm, almost orange light encircled them both and Roy felt himself losing energy.
'What…?' The boy-general wondered in surprise as he grew more and more tired. He found the sense to pull away and fell back into the hay, eyes wide. He fumbled around to Marth's hand and held it, wavering somewhere between sleep and wakefulness till the morning.
Marth awoke slowly the next morning to find that his hand was clasped tightly in his General companion's. Shifting his position, he used his other hand to jostle Roy awake.
"Roy…"
Roy's eyes moved beneath his eyelids, signs of activity, but he did not move. If he did, it was only a tiny bit.
Marth bit his lip and jostled Roy again, squeezing his hand.
"Roy, wake up. It's morning."
The former general opened his eyes, comforted in the fact that someone was right there with him. It was comforting, but it was… Marth? Now he remembered. He frowned as he saw Marth's lips moving, waving a hand towards his head.
"What?"
'Oh, right…' Marth switched to thoughtspeech. 'Wake up. It's morning now.'
"I got that…"
Roy sat up, releasing Marth's hand. He felt tired and sore, but he hadn't been that way when he had fallen asleep… He blinked thought the obtrusive blur in his eyes and looked around the barn, seeing it for the first time in daylight. But the strangest thing was that the fire from the night before was still going.
Marth's gaze followed Roy's and saw the still-burning fire.
'It's because of you.' He told the ex-general quietly.
The teen's jaw tightened visibly and he made a constricted sound in his throat.
"I don't want it there. Put it out."
Marth waved a hand, willing the fire to dissipate, but it stayed. He frowned.
'Roy, put it out. I can't.'
"What are you looking at me for? I can't do it!"
'Roy, stop denying that you have powers. You're only hurting yourself.' Marth stood up and stared at the fire, brows knitted in concentration. His hands glowed blue and he held them out to the fire, willing it to disappear. Instead, it shrank, becoming smaller and smaller until it was no more than a tiny dancing lick of flame. Marth's eyes narrowed and he willed ice to smother the fire. Instead, it merely built up around it instead.
The prince-turned-mage walked over and picked up something from the ashes. The flame was completely encased within a shield of ice, yet still danced. The ice was like crystal, clear as glass and yet not cold like ice was supposed to be. It fit in Marth's palm, looking like a jewel.
Marth turned and handed it to Roy, face icy. 'It's yours.'
Roy took the stone in his hand and stared at it in amazement and wonder. After a while, he clenched it in his palm, looking down at the ground and enjoying the icy burn on his skin.
"Sorry."
'You're forgiven. Roy, I know this is difficult for you, but you have to be willing to try. I'm going to help you, but you can't fight me every step of the way.'
"Alright," the teen answered, taking a deep breath. "What do I need to do?" He pushed the thought of fighting Marth deep into his mind. It had been all he had been doing for the past few months. Fighting, arguing- What had it been? Some sort of attraction? No, it couldn't have been.
Marth sat down again, cross-legged and gestured for Roy to do the same.
'It's painfully obvious that your kind of magic pertains to fire and heat. What you need to do is find your magic inside of you so you can control and summon it. It will also help you become more balanced.'
Roy frowned, confused as to how he would 'find' this supposed magic within him.
"What if… What if I set off another fire? I don't know what started the one at the inn, but…"
'I'll worry about that. You close your eyes and envision a flame deep inside of you. That's your magic. Now think about holding that flame in your hand, controlling it, commanding it to do your will.' Marth closed his eyes, envisioning a miniature blizzard within himself.
The ex-general closed his eyes, sitting how Marth had indicated. He tried to reach within himself, but suddenly something exploded. Not in the barn, but there inside his body was a spark. Then he was on fire, like he had suddenly morphed into kindling, and he let out a cry of surprise.
"Stop!" He shouted, looking alarmed and horrified at his body's fiery state.
'Control it, Roy! You are the master of the magic, it is not the master of you!' Marth shouted to him, urging.
The younger teen panicked, but somehow Marth's words got through to him. He would fight fire with fire…
"Stop doing this to me!" He yelled, louder than before, using his temper and sheer will. There was a noise, like the sound of a vacuum, and the fire encircling his body was gone. Roy fell back onto the scorched bay, exhausted. The stone in his hand pulsed comfortingly.
Marth clambered over to Roy, eyes full of concern. He touched the ex-general's arm lightly.
'Are you alright?'
"Yes," Roy replied, closing his eyes with a deep breath and pushing himself up into a sitting position. "Do I try again?"
'If you can. You must conquer the magic and it will serve you.' The Prince did not tell Roy that his own magic had not been nearly so violent. 'You can do it.'
"Of course I can…" Roy said assuredly, his jaw set in a hard line. But, before he began to concentrate, he glanced at Marth, remembering the strange light when he had touched the ex-prince.
"Marth… Uh… Do you feel any different today?"
Marth nodded slowly.
'Yes. I didn't hurt so much and my burns weren't as bad. Why?'
Roy blinked in surprise and turned away, rubbing his temples.
"Nothing… It's nothing," He paused. "Look, can we try to get something to eat? I'm feeling sort of dizzy…"
'The local tavern is serving free breakfast to all the victims from the fire. Let's go get some.' He got to his feet, trying not to look at the burns on his hands.
The auburn-haired teen let out a sigh of relief and pushed himself up on wobbly legs. He made for the door of the barn.
"I'm… nervous," he said quietly. "I don't want it to control me, so that's why I want to try it again when I'm stronger and have had something to eat. Do you think they have a bath house?"
'Don't be nervous. I think you're doing well.' Marth told Roy, following him slowly on account of his still-healing wounds. 'And yes, I believe that there is one.'
Roy shook his head and took notice of his singed hair. He pushed the nervousness down, hoping the fire within him would swallow it.
Marth walked towards the bathhouse, lost deep in thought. From here, there was nothing left except for them to travel to the capital and reclaim Altea from Gaimen.
'Or die in the attempt,' He thought. 'There is a very real possibility that one or both of us will die during this.' Marth froze for a moment. What would be do if Roy died?
'I don't even want to think about it.'
"Are you two going to bath together?" the bathhouse owner asked once they had come inside.
Roy nodded quickly from reading the man's lips and they were shown to a formal foreign-style bath. It was fairly large and about chest-deep (for Roy, that is).
They both stripped silently and got in the water. There were washing cloths and soaps available, so Roy got right to washing himself. Years of conditioning himself to shower with efficiency won over. He glanced at Marth and noticed the scars on the ex-royal's chest, sighing. The teen had his own scars as well, this white lines from a whip to his back.
"Marth," he started, clearing his throat, "When we talked earlier, were you thinking about beginning a… relationship after this is all over? Or before?"
Marth bit back a cry of pain. The water was too warm and that coupled with his burns did not make him feel very good.
'I hold feelings for you now, Roy, but I can see why if may be more prudent to wait.' Marth said with a wince. 'But, in all honesty, I'd rather not.'
Roy nodded slowly and moved closer to Marth, but looked at something else in the bathing room, his eyes intense, more so than they had ever been before.
"Prudent, mm? I see why as well, but…" He trailed off there, positioning himself above Marth in a sort of sitting position, resting a small bit of his lighter weight on the ex-prince's thighs. The teen began kissing Marth, pressing his fiery, unique lip-signature on Marth's own.
Marth kissed back, reaching up to touch Roy's hair softly. He could feel the general's slick warm flesh against his and pulled Roy closer, running his icy fingers down Roy's back.
The teen shivered and his hands tightened at Marth's shoulders. As the two of them fell deeper and deeper into pleasure, their mouth's dueling furiously; Roy's mind abruptly came to a halt. This, he realized, was right… He and Marth, together, were completely and utterly right. The boy-general knew nothing else until he pulled away, panting for air.
"I…" He breathed. "Sorry, I got… carried away…"
Marth nodded, also breathing deeply. The icy Prince's skin was slight with salty sweat and his hair clung to his face, neck and shoulders damply.
'This time I got to kiss back,' he said with a quiet smile.
"And you enjoyed that?" Roy asked quietly, moving off of Marth gently to sit down next to him. He took note of Marth's appearance and raised the wet, soapy cloth to the ex-prince's face.
'He's probably wondering why I'm acting like this… I am too.'
Marth closed his eyes, allowing Roy to wipe the sweat off his face.
"It's very warm in here," he murmured aloud, referring to the kiss or water or both. Marth ducked his head under and came back up, sweeping the blue mass back and completely uncovering his face for probably what was the first time since he and Roy had been together.
Roy watched Marth's lips, trying not to feel discouraged. He just knew that his recent loss of hearing had to do with his magic or the fire. The boy-general leaned back with a heavy sigh, washing his hair idly.
"Can't you make it colder?"
'You wouldn't like it.' Marth answered, remembering to finally switch to thoughtspeech. 'And your hearing will return soon. Just be patient.'
"I… This is so confusing, but I thank you for wanting to help me. I'll meet you back in the stable later…"
Roy stood and climbed out of the bath after placing another kiss on Marth's lips. He dried off and dressed himself in his burned clothes once again.
TBC…
Vallen: Please be patient with us as our schoolwork is pushing us both very hard and our time is limited. How was the lime? *hopeful*
Xan: {Was not available}