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:
Xan: *yaaaaawn* This one took a bit longer than usual to type up! Then again, it IS 3 in the morning. ^_^;;; Hey, we never said we were sane! Besides, this is the best time to do it! I did all the thankyous this time (again) and thanks again for making this such a great fic experience!
Vallen: We love you!
Thanks To: Sinnatious (^_^;; Xan is notorious for her deplorable love of baaad puns. It annoys Vallen, but she let me keep my Col. Sanders one in there, so I was really happy. Hm, I dunno… We may and we may not, you'll just have to see. ^_^ And yes, that funny Marth comment- mine too! I do all the humor! Bwaha! And yeah, Gwen rocks.), GSfailure (Heh! What usually happens is I type up the entire chapter [each chapter consisting of 10-12 or so written pages] in a night. That includes typing up all these thankyous and everything, so it takes a while. I really hope we do get 500 reviews! That would just be so cool!), Jennie (Yeah, I didn't like it when those icky people insulted my Marth! *gr* Vallen did that, so you can thank her. *mini-glare at vallen* She just likes torturing the characters, and who can blame her?! It's a ton of fun! And after this, there's only one more chappie, so you'll be reading the sequel soon!), LilFilipinoGurl (*sobs too* Actually, I'm not sad! I'm really happy that it's almost done and that y'all get to see the other one! It's just as good, if not better! But I guess y'all have to decide that. Oh, and Marth thanks you for your support!), Pichu*Star (^_^ So did I, but I think Roy was less than amused. Yes, the dynamics between Gwen and Marth are really interesting to write… I like how they interact with one another. This is a big factor in the sequel too, so I'm glad that y'all like it so much. Gwen is very important to Marth… She and Roy and Rowen are his "supports."), The Flame Panther (Aw, don't wither away! There's still an entire 'nother fic of Marth and Roy goodness! And Gwen and Rowen and everybody else! And of course they'd count… All reviews count! Well, your waiting has been rewarded, 'cause here it is!), tikimoof (Eeearly on in the fic, there was a character named Sanders. Well, I turned him into a Colonel, so he became Colonel Sanders, as in the Kentucky Fried Chicken guy… Nah, we think the fic is exactly the right length, not too long or too short. And yes, it IS a relief when you get to the end of a harrowing story like this one is… If you think it's emotional to read, try WRITING it. We had to BE Marth and Roy and let me tell you, it made for one hell of a roller-coaster ride. And the sequel is worse. ^_^;; And yes, we are! In fact, we did! Did you read part 3? Or if you already read that, we'll hopefully be updating it again soon, so just be patient please!), hooshi (Hm… Gwen… Gwen was pretty badly mistreated and stuff, so I think at one point she WAS sexy and may still be, but at this point, she's to scared to really be attractive… I dunno, Gwen is Vallen's department, so ask her. And yes, we all know that you think that Roy is hot!), Sake Girl Duelist (No kidding! Roast the bastards!), MarthLover618 (I certainly HOPE you still like! I'd hate it if y'all read the whole fic just to be disappointed with the ending… That would be horrible.), Shea (*sympathetically* Yes, I'm sure that there are only two. Maybe Vallen and I will write a final "Behind FNOK" thingie after it's done, but we'll see. Glad you're looking forward to the sequel- it's gonna be great!), rosekurama (Yep, we're sorry it's almost over too, but not THAT sorry. It's nice to actually FINISH something. Yeah, check out our other stuff. Glad ya like it!), AsMiLiNgFoOl (Meh… We can't have that happen, now can we?), YoshiMars (*bows* We hope to please you in the sequel as well! We have become willing slaves for our readers!), kyuusei (Hehe… Yes, that was VERY intentional… I bet it was fun reading all those chapters! Please don't forget about us!), Asudem (Don't worry, we'll never stop. Glad to see you so engrossed in it!), and LiLPrNCeSsMe (Gah! Three chapters?! *pats head* It's okay, we
forgive you as long as you keep reading and don't forget about us! Ugh, I had to take summer school too... Gym. Oh well, better than during the year, at least I think. And you're not a bad fan!).
An hour or so later, far on into the afternoon, Roy returned. Several soldiers, including Farro, were at his heel and dressed in their formal wear. The general beamed energy and strength – he looked truly happy to be back in his rightful position.
"Highness?" He called with a cough from the doorway of Marth's bedroom to alert the prince that he was there. "Everything is ready."
But while the young general looked refreshed and invigorated, his prince looked just the opposite, haggard and worn, his face resembling that of a much older man. But his expression lightened a little when he caught sight of Roy and his company and he stood to greet them. As he did, they could see that Marth too had changed into his formal garb – a pair of elegant black breeches and a black shirt beneath a royal blue velvet tunic with a midnight blue cape with silver lining and the Altean crest emblazoned on it, also in silver. Falcion was sheathed at his side and his sleek blue hair, which had been washed and trimmed in the meantime, was being held back by an ornate silver coronet. All in all, it provided a very dramatic display, revealing the king whom Marth would soon become.
"Good. Let us depart then." He walked over to Roy, inclining his head to the guards, who all bowed to him. The boy-general shook Marth's hand firmly then led him down the halls. The other guards seemed faintly shocked that Roy did not bow down to the prince, but Marth was not surprised. He found that he did not want Roy to bow to him. Roy was his equal, equal in hardships, equal in triumph. He had said long ago in Trave's dark manor that they were the same and that statement still stood.
"It has all been set up in city square and the Lord Judge is there. I found out that he has been away from the capital for all this time, so Gaimen cannot have brainwashed him." Roy informed Marth in a businesslike manner, signaling for a few castle guards to open the main gates so that they could get outside.
There was a huge crowd of people gathered in the square, their dirty bodies and faces and ragged clothes showing their starvation and despair. They shouted loudly once they caught sight of Marth, their voices jumbled and mixed as one tortured mass. Some cried for relief while still others were angry and shouted that Marth was the true traitor. They began to move towards Marth and Roy like a swarm of bees.
"Quiet!" Roy yelled loudly, holding up a hand and standing in front of Marth protectively. "Make your judgment after the trial!"
The peasants backed down, admonished by Roy's words and allowed the royal and the soldiers to go inside the court.
The High Court of Altea was a large, historic building, one of the oldest in the country's history. Impressively carved of huge blocks of stone, there were several statues of Altean deities and past rulers, looking down on the people. In recent months, the structures had fallen into disrepair and several of the statues were broken. They will be fixed soon, Marth thought. He recalled sitting in on several important trials before, learning how to be a just and fair ruler. And now, he was on trial himself.
Challen Ayensburk, the Lord Judge was already seated in the judge's seat, his serious grey eyes observing all the people. Marth nodded to him and the old man nodded back. Challen had been High Judge of Altea for several decades and as a man well into his seventies, was still highly respected for his keep judgment, sharp wisdom and strong presence.
"Are you nervous?" Marth asked Roy quietly as he sat in his chair.
"Terrified, but keep that between you and me." Roy whispered back, sitting at a smaller table facing the judge's stand.
Gaimen was brought in then, his face a mask of anger and fury, but he kept it in for now. It would not be becoming nor helpful to his case to lose one's temper at the beginning of the trial. Upon seeing that all of the vital people were in position, Challen banged his gavel once to call attention, nodding to Marth and Roy once again.
"You will all swear upon the crown and give your testimonies," he announced. Everyone fell silent, even the peasants who had managed to actually acquire seats in the courtroom.
"I will testify first," Gaimen said in a low voice that was more of a growl than anything. The tall man stepped up and swore upon the Altean king, which was placed on a pedestal especially for it. He stood there, with all eyes in the room focused upon him.
"I was born as the former King Cornelius's younger brother and as per royal custom, if any trouble or harm should befall the King, Queen or Heir, I would rise to power, which is precisely what happened. The prince and his highest-ranking general were charged with high treason against the crown and exiled from the country for life, a mild punishment for the crimes that they conspired to commit, if you ask me. The economy was failing under the prince's rule and he obviously had no idea how to run a country. Since his exile, I have been ruling the country, but now they have violated their exile and come back to take over again. I was unjustly incarcerated!"
The Lord Judge listened carefully and took in every word. He cleared his throat.
"And you claim to have saved Altea even though it is drowning in poverty?"
"Indeed. At least the country isn't on the edge of bankruptcy. What then? And with a weak ruler like the prince, Altea would be subject to invasion!" Gaimen snarled, but forcing himself to retain some manners.
"Gaimen, this is not a contest of insults. Hold your tongue and just rely on facts, please."
"The fact is he's taxing us into starvation to pay for his pretty clothes and roomfuls of partners!" A peasant shouted from the crowd in the back. Many other voices joined in, protesting violently until Lord Challen was forced to roar to make himself heard.
"Silence! I will have order in my courtroom or have you all removed from it!" He commanded, glaring down at all of them. The commoners settled back, grumbling amongst themselves.
Challen turned back to Gaimen, looking faintly irritated.
"Gaimen, you have been accused of high treason against the crown of Altea, conspiring against the crown, obstruction of justice, rape, child molestation, mass imprisonment of innocent people, slander, blackmail, assault…"
As Challen read off the long list of offences, Marth and Roy watched Gaimen's face turn first red, then vermillion and finally into a brilliant shade of purple. The king knew how badly it sounded to all the public to hear all of those crimes read out loud.
"… cruel and unusual punishment, and false taxation by Prince Marth and General Roy. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty." Gaimen growled.
"What have you to say in your defense?"
"The country will suffer if Marth is crowned king. He has neither the power nor the will to be a good king. He will let the country sink below the lowest mark, allow it to be invaded and overrun. The majesty that is Altea will vanish with Marth's reign!"
Challen's eyes glinted as he gazed calmly down at Gaimen.
"The debate here, Gaimen, is not who would be a good king, it is over who is the rightful king." The old man leaned back in his high-backed chair. "High General Roy, your testimony please."
"Yes, sir." Roy stood quickly, glancing around him sharply.
"I had won the title of general over this country from the former commander, Gaimen. He already held a grudge against me from then. Then one day I was yanked out of my routine, my rank stripped from me and exiled with the prince for no known reason… I had been falsely accused. But what you don't know is that Gaimen had arranged for us to be sold as slaves."
The crowd made an appalled noise, their voices rising again. Challen let them, his own bushy eyebrows raised in slight surprise. The auburn-haired teen turned his back for all to see, unbuttoned his shirt and unraveled the bandages to show them his back.
"The fresh ones are from recently, but the scars were given to me by the Manor-Lord Trave. We escaped and made our way back to the city to reclaim what is rightfully ours."
"That's impossible! They're trying to set me up! You don't have any record of them being at Trave's mansion! Wounds are no proof of anything – he could have done that to himself to use it against me!" Gaimen burst out, standing up.
"Hold your tongue, Gaimen." Challen reprimanded firmly.
The head guard, Farro stood and introduced himself to the court and to the judge politely.
"Lord Judge, I have one little lady who would like to testify against Gaimen. She was at Trave's mansion when Price Marth and General Roy were." He announced.
Gwen stepped out from behind him, visibly shaking from fear. The peoples' eyes took her in, her servant's rags hanging off her thin body, short blond hair and wide green eyes. People could fake testimonies, but there was no way that one could fake a damaged soul.
Challen saw this and nodded, giving Gwen permission to speak in his court. She swore on the crown like the others had done and stood there, eyes darting all around nervously. It wasn't because she was guilty of any crime – just afraid.
"M-my name is Gwen… I don't have a l-last name and I don't know h-how old I am. I've lived as a slave in Master Trave's mansion my whole life and they saved me… I owe everything to the Prince…" Gwen stuttered and stammered, her eyes growing moist with tears. "And I won't serve anyone but him…"
Farro, the chief guard stepped forward and led Gwen back to her seat, for it seemed as if she would fall over at any second. Marth felt his heart swell with pride and affection for the girl. He made a mental note to reward Gwen in the near future.
Roy glanced at Marth briefly and carefully pulled his shirt back on.
"Gaimen cannot deny he has exploited the use of servants, prostitutes and concubines. That is all I have to say – I'll leave the rest for the prince." He said through his teeth and sat back down.
"Thank you General. That will be all." Challen turned to Marth at last. "Prince, please swear in and say what you will."
Marth swore upon the crown, the crown that was rightfully his and turned to face the court.
"I will not deny that when the ruling of this country fell into my hands, I was not as adept a ruler as you people deserve to have. But I will not deny this either – this land has the potential to feed and clothe every one of its citizens and then some. There is no reason for you to be impoverished thusly with poor food and little clothing and barely a roof over your heads. Under a fair and steady guidance, we could return this country to its rightful bountiful state.
"Everything that General Roy and Gwen said is indeed the truth. My uncle arranged to sell us into slavery where we were sold to an old friend of his and used as pleasure slaves, forced to obey to his twisted whims. Rage kindled in my heart at the injustice, as I'm sure it kindles now in yours, for you have been wronged just as I have. My birthright and throne was stripped from me, but I am but one man. You are the lifeblood of Altea. You common people, you craftsmen, you farmers, you merchants you have suffered greatly, selling your possessions and even your family members to pay for bread.
"My uncle is a clever man, but he is also the sort of man who would frame his own blood relative to gain power, a man who would molest and torture young boys and threaten to have them killed if they breathed so much as a whisper about it to anyone. He accuses me of treason against my country, but what reason would I have to harm this land? It runs in my veins and I love it, I am bound to it and I would die to protect it and its people. Gaimen and his associates in this abomination were the only ones who stood to benefit if the general and I fell from grace."
The blue-haired prince bowed deeply to his people and stood again, his arms spread wide.
"So please, believe me to be your true king, if not for me, than for your own sakes." He turned to Challen, inclining his head to the Lord Judge respectfully as well while the peasants whispered amongst themselves. The prince had bowed down to them? Never had this happened before…
"That is all that I desire to say, Lord Judge." Marth spoke, resuming his seat.
Challen nodded.
"Thank you, Prince." He turned to the court at large. "I will think over what has been said and return with my judgment." He stood and walked out of the court to a smaller room off to the side, isolated so that he could consider the case without distraction.
Roy sat quietly next to Marth, trying not to fidget. He called upon his patience and found that he could properly restrain himself.
"You were great," he told his prince quietly. "I didn't expect the girl to step up, though… She may have just saved our lives."
"I don't think she expected to either." Marth replied in the same tone, looking over at Gwen. He gave her an approving nod and a small smile that encouraged the damaged girl. He turned back to Roy. "And thank you. You spoke well too. Now let's just hope that we spoke well enough for Challen…"
Some time later, the Lord Judge himself reentered the courtroom, looking grim. Marth felt his heart sink. Had all their endeavors been wasted? Had everything they fought for and for so long been for nothing? He fought to keep still as Challen spoke, his hand resting upon Falcion's hilt.
"I have thought long and hard over what has been said here today and I have come to my conclusion. Gaimen is guilty of all charges and shall be punished however Prince Marth sees fit. Prince Marth and General Roy are innocent and free to return to their rightful ranks without persecution." Challen announced.
All the peasants let forth with an enormous cheer and the news quickly spread to the outside, where most of the congregation was waiting to hear the news. Roy let out a sigh of relief, but that sigh alone could not express what he felt. He glanced off to the side, through the windows at the gallows looming at them. But that wasn't their fate now- It was Gaimen's.
The boy-general stood abruptly and marched over to Gaimen himself, his blue eyes focused intently.
"You lose."
The jilted ex-monarch let out a roar of fury and hurled himself at the reinstated High General, wrapping his hands around Roy's throat, intent upon strangling him.
"If I die, I'll take you to hell with me, boy!" Gaimen's eyes were filled with a frenzied light and he tightened his grip on Roy's neck.
To Be Continued…
(In only one more chapter!)
Xan: Woooooooooooooow! This is it! Only one more chapter to go! I loved writing this chapter… So much great stuff happens! Marth's testimony was fun to write – it's not often I get to have him talk for paragraphs like that. And Gwen rocks! I love Gwen! Aaaaaaaaaaaand the best part was I got to put in another cliffhanger right at the end for you guys! And you didn't think I could pull it off! *ducks to avoid being hit by random objects thrown by reviewers* Anyways, hope you liked it! The end has come!
Vallen: *chants* Wooh! The end has come! The end has come! Don't mind us, we're just a little giddy. *smirk*
Another announcement: I don't like to start online battles or drama, but if you want to find out what happened recently/the latest news, go to the yahoo! Group. Also, if you haven't been to our new website, follow the link on our profile page.