A/N: I do not own the Ronins. As much as I wish I could own Ryo…fire is so fun & so hot! Thanks for the reviews! I love you guys! - Alkvingiel
The Lonely Prince
Chapter 2
"Yell out and someone shall find you a dead boy in the morning kid," A deep voice whispered. Ryo didn't recognize the voice but of course he hadn't talked to anyone but Sage, Cye, Kento, Rowen and Takeo. The voice belonged to none of them.
"Oh God! Sage! Rowen! Cye! Kento! Anybody help me!" Ryo prayed hoping against hope that somehow they would hear him. At the safe house all of the guys heads snapped up as they heard Ryo's plea for help.
"Uh… guys was that just my imagination or was that Rekka's voice pleading us for help?" Kento questioned.
"Help!" Again Ryo's voice rang through their mind.
"I don't think that was your imagination Kento! Let's go!" Sage yelled as they ran out the door and followed this weird sense in their head. Ryo was shaking and about ready to give up when he heard his name being called. Then there they were all four of them standing there looking very angry with the man who was holding him.
"Guys!" Ryo gasped to the man held tighter to him.
"Rekka! We heard your cries! Hold on!" Kento yelled clenching his fists.
"They heard you? How? You haven't done anything but whimper? Anyway! Stay back! Or you'll be one friend short!" The man declared. Just as Sage and the others were about to attack the man let go of Ryo with a look of surprise on his face. Ryo sidestepped as the man fell forward and stared. There was a dagger sticking out of his back.
"If anyone is going to hurt you it'll be me kid. Not anyone else," A voice said from behind him. Ryo looked back to see Takeo walking towards him.
"You! You just saved my life! Thank you!" Ryo told him. Takeo just shrugged and went to pull his dagger out of the man's back.
"I had a score to settle with this guy anyway. No one ever steals from me and gets away with it," Takeo growled pulling his dagger out and cleaning it. Ryo was about to say something but shouts distracted him.
"Hurry up! You men check that away! We have to find him or the Queen will have our heads!" A harsh voice shouted. Fear covered Ryo's eyes and he ran over to Sage and the others.
"We have to get out of here! Hurry! Back to the house!" Ryo ushered them. They turned and broke out in a dead run for the house, the guys wondering why Rekka sounded so desperate. Once at the house Rekka was the last one in and he closed the door leaning against it trying to catch his breath. The guys all watched him.
"Rekka? What is going on?" Sage questioned. Ryo opened his eyes and stared at his friends then sighed.
"They're after me. And they won't stop until they find me. But I had to come back and see you guys even if it was the last time. You've been the best friends I could ever have…you're the only true friends I've ever had. I can't tell you why but I just needed to thank you. This may be the last time I ever see you. I must go, please don't follow me," Ryo explained and then started to go out the door.
"Wait! Why are they after you and who is they?" Cye asked putting a hand on Rekka's shoulder. He looked back at Cye tears running down his face.
"Please…don't follow me," Was all he said and then Rekka was running into the dark. Sage and the others closed the door and ran to the window watching. They watched as Rekka ran to the middle of the street then stopped, he just stood there. "Here I am! You want me! I'm right here!" Ryo yelled then fell to his knees the tears still running from his eyes.
"There! Get him and take him back to the castle!" The harsh voice yelled. The guys watched as some of the royal guards ran up and hauled Rekka to his feet. He didn't struggle or say a word. Only let the guards lead him back to the castle, his prison. Once they were gone Sage stepped back from the window.
"What could Rekka have done to make the royal guards come looking for him?" Kento questioned sitting on the couch.
"I don't know but it must be serious to have the royals after him," Rowen answered. That night was the last night they heard of Rekka for 3 months. Back in the castle Prince Ryo had become more serious now that he was confined to the castle. He wasn't even allowed into the garden or maze anymore unless the Queen or King was with him. Both of his parents could tell he was lonely and missed his so-called friends but they didn't want to take the chance of losing their only son. As soon as he was back in the safety of the castle they had locked him in his room only allowed to come to eat. But even then he was quiet and didn't eat much, only enough to stay alive. Once the meals were over he go back to his room and do nothing but draw, study and stare longingly out his window. After 3 months Master Toei who had escaped a harsh punishment by his Prince's pleading couldn't stand it anymore. He still had the five pictures and decided to find the men in the pictures, with the Queen and King's permission of course.
"Why do you wish to bring these men here? They could hurt our Rekka!" The Queen insisted.
"Because my Queen, haven't you seen how sad he is now? Yes he's becoming the perfect Prince and learning everything it takes to be a great King but your highness without friends he will grow to be bitter. No matter how great a King he will be it will mean nothing if he's bitter and his people don't love him as they do you majesties," Master Toei explained.
"My wife I believe what Toei is trying to tell us. Let him find these boys and see if things can only get better for our son. Go Toei and find them, bring them here without Ryo knowing and we will see how they interact with each other. If all goes well we will decide then what shall transpire," The King told him. Master Toei smiled and bowing then ran out of the room.
"I have permission from the King. Open the gates!" Master Toei yelled. The guards nodded and opened the gates. Master Toei ran out into the city he was rarely in since all his supplies came straight to the castle. He walked around for hours looking for the people in his Prince's drawings but didn't see them.
"Hey! You're walking on dangerous ground!" Takeo yelled as Master Toei crossed the line into his turf.
"I'm sorry. I was just looking for…" But he didn't get to finish before Takeo grabbed him up by his shirt.
"Takeo! What does it take for you to leave people alone?" Sage asked. Takeo set Master Toei down.
"God! Sage! You don't let me have any fun around here!" Takeo complained and stocked off. Master Toei looked at Sage and then at one of the drawings and back at Sage.
"It's you! It's you!" Master Toei gasped grabbing Sage's shoulders.
"Whoa! Yes it's me, but who are you?" Sage asked pushing him off.
"Oh I'm sorry. My name is Toei, Master Toei. I have been sent by the King and Queen to look for you. Do you know these others?" Master Toei questioned showing Sage the drawings.
"Where did you get these?" Sage asked realizing they were Rekka's. "Do you know where Rekka is?"
"How does this Sage know the Princes first name? We must find the others then you are to come with me to the castle. The King and Queen wish to see you," Master Toei told him. Sage didn't know what the hell was going on but if this guy knew where Rekka was he'd do whatever he asked. Sage led this Master Toei to the safe house; all were there but Rowen. Cye and Kento both looked strangely at Master Toei then Sage.
"Cye, Kento this is Master Toei. He has been sent by the King and Queen to find us. He has the drawings Rekka did," Sage said sitting.
"Where is the fourth? I need you all here before…" But he stopped in mid sentence when Rowen ran in the door hiding something under his shirt.
"Man! I thought I would never lose them! Those guys made such a big fuss over one book!" Rowen smiled gasping. Then he saw Master Toei staring at him.
"Rowen this is Master Toei. We are to see the King and Queen," Sage told him. Rowen's eyes got wide and he dropped the book. Master Toei bent and picked it up then after dusting it off he handed it back to Rowen.
"Hamlet by William Shakespeare, a very good choice. Now we must hurry clean yourselves up and put on the capes that you were wearing in the drawings," Master Toei explained trying to hurry them. Within 20 minutes they met his approval and followed him to the castle gates. Master Toei stopped to yell up at the guard. "It's Master Toei, I have brought these men on the King's command," He yelled. The guard nodded and opened the gate. "Come! The King and Queen are waiting!" He insisted. They followed but slowly taking in the beauty around them. After walking through many hallways they came to a huge door. "Wait here until I say," Master Toei whispered and then entered the room.
"Master Toei have you brought them?" The Queen asked.
"Yes. Allow me to introduce Sage Date, Cye Mouri, Kento Rei Fuan and Rowen Hashiba," Master Toei announced. They each came in as their name was said and bowed then stood straight. Both King and Queen looked them over then smiled accepting them.
"Toei bring our son in now," The King commanded. Master Toei bowed and went to get Prince Ryo. The guys stood there not really knowing what to do until a side door opened and someone was refusing to be pushed inside.
"Master Toei please! I do not want to see anyone right now!" Prince Ryo insisted.
"Oh but my Prince you will want to see these," Master Toei assured him giving the final push. They all recognized the voice but…it couldn't be, could it? Ryo was pushed out into the light where he stood in shock. His friends they…they were all here!
"Rekka! You're the…the…" Cye stammered.
"Sirs! May I introduce! Prince Rekka no Ryo Sanada!" Master Toei announced. The guys forgot their place for a moment and just stood there in shock then Sage came out of his trance and bowed. The others followed in suit and Ryo ran up to them hugging each one. They returned his hug and started asking questions.
"Why didn't you tell us you were the Prince?" Kento asked.
"I had to make sure that I could have friends without my title plus I could've gotten into a lot of trouble for being outside the castle. Wait a minute…I did get in a lot of trouble," Ryo told them.
"Rekka…we will see you and your friends at dinner tonight and then at brunch in the morning. Goodnight son," The Queen said standing. Ryo turned and with a smile he ran up to his mother and hugged her.
"Thank you mother. Goodnight," Ryo whispered and then ran back to his friends. "Let me show you around," Ryo said to his friends. They followed him out of the throne room and into the main part of the castle. Master Toei smiled to himself seeing how happy he'd made his Prince. Ryo led his friends to his room and gave them each their finished drawings that Master Toei had given him. He sat at his desk and motioned for them to sit as well. They seemed uncertain knowing that he was the Prince and should always stand in his presence. "Go on and sit. I may be the Prince but when we're not around others I'm just the Rekka you came to know," Ryo told them with a smile. So unsure they sat.
"So Rekka? Why didn't you say anything about all this to us? You can trust us," Rowen questioned.
"Like I said, I had to make sure you liked me for who I am and not because of my title. I'm so happy Master Toei found you, he really didn't have to. But I guess he felt it his duty," Ryo explained.
"Why his duty?" Cye asked.
"Well…I became every angry with my parents when they said I couldn't see you again. And I practically stopped eating," Ryo said quietly.
"You almost died because of us?!" They exclaimed.
"Yes, but that is over now. You know you guys I could ask my parents if you could stay here. Master Toei would be every glad to have some new students," Ryo told them.
"You would do that for us?" Rowen questioned amazed.
"Hell you guys! I will even give you titles if you want, just so you guys will stay," Ryo answered. They smiled and agreed to stay if that was what he wanted. Just then someone knocked on the door and Ryo opened it.
"Pardon me my Prince but Dinner is served. We have set places for your friends and their majesties would like to talk to you in private after Sir," The guard said and bowed.
"Thank you, hey guys come on. I'll show you to the dining hall," Ryo explained. They stood and followed him looking in wonder at the beautiful paintings and murals. In the dining hall they sat on the right side of Ryo to show respect, the King and Queen asked them questions, which they answered. After two hours the King and Queen stood about to leave when Queen Sachiko turned and smiled at her son.
"Ryo, I'd like to see you in my room before you go to sleep," She said.
"Yes mother," Ryo answered.
"Goodnight my son…goodnight boys," King Hiroshi called as he walked out the door.
"Goodnight Sir," They replied.
"Master Toei, how would you like to have some new students?" Ryo asked.
"It would be wonderful my Prince but who?" Master Toei questioned.
"I'm going to ask my mother and father if my friends may stay here in the castle. If they are allowed to stay would you teach them?" Ryo told him.
"I would be honored my Prince, now it is late and we should all be getting to bed. Shall I show your friends to their rooms?"
"Yes please do. I must go talk with my Mother," Ryo replied and he left them. He knocked on his mother's door and smiled when her maid opened it. Once inside he turned to her, "Would you excuse us please?" He asked.
"Of course sire," She answered and left them.
"Your friends are very nice Ryo. I'm very impressed and as I can already guess you're going to ask me if they can stay here. Well the answer is yes," She told him.
"Oh thank you mother! Thank you!" Ryo exclaimed hugging her. Over the next few months Ryo and Master Toei taught the guys how to be gentlemen of the court. Every one of them caught on quickly and adjusted well to castle life. Ryo was walking out of his room one day when a voice surprised him.
"Word has it that you will be turning 18 in 2 months," Sage said. Ryo turned quickly but smiled when he saw who it was.
"And who have you heard this from?" Ryo questioned as they walked down the halls.
"The maids in this place have been talking of nothing but for two weeks. I hear it's going to be the party to end all parties," Sage told him with a smile.
"It's all my mother's doing, she wants this to be special. I just hate it when everyone makes such a fuss over me; they have more important things to worry about. Everyone will be attending and I have persuaded my parents to let the village people attend. I figure it's time they meet their Prince since the only time I've been really seen was when I was first born. I'm sure you'll like it, plenty of beautiful princesses will be here," Ryo explained as they came to the gardens. Sage's smile became even bigger and he laughed. Ryo and Sage then joined the others in the garden. Rowen who had quickly become Ryo's best friend out of them all was the first to notice his thoughtful quiet expression and the many quiet talks he seemed to be having with Master Toei lately. Finally when they were alone in the maze he brought it up.
"You seem very distant lately Ryo. Are you in some kind of trouble? Is there any way I can help?" Rowen questioned. Ryo smiled at his concern and sighed.
"Only troubles of the heart my friend. As you know I will soon be turning 18, my mother and father are both ushering me to find a wife soon. If I'm not married by the time of my 20th birthday I can not take over my father's throne after he dies. They could choose a bride for me but I've said that I only want to marry for love not because I have to. So do you think you can help me?" Ryo asked as they stopped.
"Boy…that's a hard one Ryo. I'll ask the guys if they know anybody. Anything you're looking for specifically?" He wondered.
"Smart, pretty, fun to be around, funny, loves animals and someone who will like for who I am and not my title," Ryo answered.
"You just had to make this hard didn't you? Well I know there's no one like that around here so we'll just have to look around," Rowen replied with a smile.
"Thanks Rowen, I don't know what I would ever do without you guys around," Ryo whispered and left him to his thoughts. Rowen told the others of Ryo's problem that night when they met in his room.
"Is there anyone we know we could get for Ryo?" Rowen asked. They all thought deeply and then Cye smiled.
"I know someone! I have a cousin who lives in England, Kathleen Le Fay. Her mother was French but her father was my father's brother! We write each other now and then the last time was 5 months ago. She's 16 and my uncle is looking for someone to marry her. What do you think?" Cye explained.
"Sounds like a plan. Cye write your uncle and see if she can visit you here. We'll see if her and Ryo hit it off," Sage replied. Cye nodded and got a piece of paper to write his uncle a letter. 2 months later they celebrated Ryo's 18th birthday and the maids had been right. No one had ever seen a party so grand. Everyone from the village had dressed the best they could and come to the party. A half an hour into the party Master Toei walked up to where the thrones were set and called for everyone's attention.
"Sirs and Ladies! If I may have your attention! I am proud to present their majesties; King Hiroshi, Queen Sachiko and their son Prince Ryo Sanada! Also new to our court are Prince Ryo's friends and guardians; Sir Sage Date, Sir Rowen Hasiba, Sir Kento Rei Fuan and Sir Cye Mouri. Okay let the party continue! Supper will be served shortly," Master Toei announced and then left. The King and Queen took their seats smiling, they nodded at Ryo who looked to his friends. They were giving him looks that said, "What now?" He smiled and motioned for them to follow.
"Go ahead dance, have fun. Who knows maybe you'll find somebody you like," Ryo ushered them. Sage and the others smiled walking away from him and Ryo went back up to sit on his father's left.
"Cye? Did you write your uncle? Have you gotten a reply?" Rowen questioned as they walked through the crowd.
"I did, he promised to send her as soon as possible which was two days later," Cye started, then he looked at Rowen and smiled. "She should be arriving tonight." He finished. Rowen stopped and stared at him.
"You mean…she…she's coming here tonight?! Is she here?" Rowen questioned.
"Right there," Cye told him pointing towards the door. Rowen turned quickly to see the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen walk through the door. She was about 5'4'' with long golden brown hair almost the same color as Cye's and green eyes that from way far away looked black. Cye smiled and pushed Rowen's jaw up.
"She! She's your cousin! What the hell happened to you!" Rowen asked.
"Hey!" Cye scolded him.
"Kidding man, kidding," Rowen laughed as they walked over to Kathleen.
"Cye! Oh my gosh! You've gotten so handsome since that summer five years ago!" Kathleen gushed hugging her cousin.
"Me? You look great, those five years have been really good to you…wouldn't you say Rowen?" Cye inquired looking back at his friend.
"Yeah…good…very good…" Rowen whispered staring at her. Kathleen blushed. Cye hit Rowen in the stomach with his elbow.
"So? Cye where's this guy my father was so excited about?" Kathleen asked. Cye glanced where the thrones were but Ryo wasn't there.
"Uh…he's around here…" His sentence trailed off as Ryo walked up.
From Ryo's eyes
The King and Queen talked quietly to themselves as everyone danced. Ryo was having fun watching his friends mingle with the many people he even saw Takeo. Suddenly his attention was drawn to the door and he saw the prettiest girl he'd ever seen walk through the door. "I'll be right back," Ryo told his parents as he stood. He walked down through the crowd toward the beautiful girl who was talking to Cye and Rowen. Cye was looking around as he walked up but smiled when he saw him.
"Kathleen, this is my friend Ryo Sanada," Cye smiled. Kathleen turned and her eyes widened. The guy she was staring at had shoulder length raven black hair and the bluest eyes she'd ever seen, he was maybe a foot taller than herself.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Kathleen, may I have the honor of having this dance?" Ryo asked bowing and he kissed her hand. Kathleen blushed again but nodded. Hand in hand they walked out onto the dance floor and started dancing.
"Good job Cye! Do you see how happy both of them looked and she has no clue that Ryo is the Prince. This is great!" Rowen laughed. Cye nodded watching as his cousin and Ryo spun on the dance floor. He looked up and the King and Queen and noticed their smiles as they watched their son.
"I have to go speak to the King and Queen," Cye said walking quickly through the crowd toward them.
"Cye? Who is that young lady that our son is dancing with? She is very lovely," The Queen questioned.
"That is my cousin, Kathleen. They seem to have really hit it off but that is not why I came to speak to your majesties. You see my cousin does not know that your son is who he is. Ryo wished to find a wife who wanted him for who he was not because of his title so if there is anyway we can keep it a secret?" Cye explained. The King and Queen looked at each other then smiled back at him.
"Go tell Master Toei and he will take care of it," The Queen replied and Cye left. Finding Master Toei Cye told him of his plan; Master Toei was a little hesitant at first but then he saw how happy his Prince was.
"I will tell everyone," Master Toei said and left him to spread the word. 2 hours later after supper had been served, which had gone every well since no one had said a word about Ryo being the Prince. After everyone had been excused Ryo escorted Kathleen out to the garden while the guys, the King and Queen and Master Toei watched quietly from a window above them.
"Ryo…I've had an enchanting evening with you. I'm so glad Cye wrote my father asking if I could come for a visit," Kathleen smiled as they walked through the garden.
"I've had fun tonight as well. Kathleen would you like to play a game of chess with me? We can talk and get to know each other better?" Ryo suggested.
"I would like that very much. Cye and I used to play all the time when he lived in England. I beat him most of the time," Kathleen told him as they walked back into the castle. They played until early in the morning before Ryo showed Kathleen where she could sleep and he kissed her good night on the cheek. After closing the door Kathleen leaned against it and sighed thinking, "Oh my God! He's so cute and sweet!" The next morning Cye went to Kathleen's room to take her to breakfast but she was still asleep, as was Ryo. This made him happy now they could talk freely about the two without worry.
"Keiko said that they were still up talking and playing chess at 2 this morning," Sage said as Cye sat down at the table.
"No wonder they're still asleep," Cye replied.
"Thank you Cye for making our son happy. This takes a load off my mind, hopefully they will love each other and get married before his 20th birthday," The King told him.
"It wasn't a problem Sire. Ryo doesn't want to let you down and being his friend it was all I could do," Cye answered with a smile. Just then Ryo walked in smiling.
"Well if it's not sleeping beauty," Kento joked.
"Very funny Kento. I was going to go for an early ride, anyone care to join me?" Ryo asked. Rowen, Kento and Cye each had lessons with Master Toei but Sage stood clearing his throat.
"I'll go with you. I haven't ridden in a long time so this will be fun. Come on," Sage told him and they walked out of the room. Ryo led Sage to the stables and showed him the horses.
"This is my horse, Naur, it means Fire. I've had him ever since I was old enough to ride. You can choose any horse you like that's; Shanghai, Dragon, Lightening, Storm and Stranger." Ryo explained leading Naur out of his stall. Sage could see why Ryo called his horse Naur. The horse had the strangest markings he'd ever seen; he was pure black with white looking flames on his muzzle and up from each hoof. But the one that really caught his eyes was a white horse that had a black lightening bolt down his forehead. Sage walked over to the horse and let it sniff his hand.
"I like this one, can I ride him?" Sage questioned.
"Sure bring him out and tie him up then I'll show you where the saddles are," Ryo replied leading him into a room off to the side. After they had the horses saddled and they sat upon them Ryo urged his horse forward. "Follow me!" He called over his shoulder. Sage followed and the guards opened the gate so they could ride out. It was the first time that Sage noticed but Ryo was wearing a dark cloak.
"Hey Ryo? What's with the cloak?" Sage questioned trotting up beside him. Ryo smiled.
"If no one is with me then I must wear this cloak so no one will recognize me. Have you never seen what the villagers refer to as the Dark Rider?" Ryo asked. Sage's eyes widened.
"That was you!? I saw the Dark Rider often at sunset up on the hill over there," Sage replied.
"Yes, it was me I love riding but can't get Master Toei to go. He had a bad experience with a horse when he was a kid and is terrified of them. Mother and Father both think it's too dangerous and everyone else has something they need to be doing. It might seem like I'm complaining but actually I love being alone out here. I can think about anything without having to worry. Naur and I have had some good runs, haven't we fella?" Ryo explained patting the horse's neck. Naur nickered and tried to pull forward. Lightening moved his head up and down in agreement.
"What do they want?" Sage asked.
"They want to race. What do you say Sage? Want to or are you chicken?" Ryo teased with a smile.
"I'm not chicken come on let's go. Show me where you want to race," Sage huffed making Lightening walk forward. Ryo cantered ahead of him leading the way to his favorite racing area. When they came to a large clearing Ryo and Sage stopped.
"Okay, we'll start here run to the tree down at the end and then back. Sound good?" Ryo questioned. Sage nodded and they readied their horses. Ryo gave the go and they galloped forward. Sage was ahead all the way down but he went to wide around the tree and Ryo got ahead of him. Sage was just about to pass him though when they crossed the finish line. Naur pranced and threw his head around neighing happily; his steps were high and his eyes burned with a bright fire. Lightening threw his head up and down but stood still.
"I think Naur liked that," Sage laughed.
"He did. Naur loves running fast. You should ride him when he's jumping, he goes so fast sometimes that when you're in the air it feels like your flying," Ryo replied patting his horse's neck.
*****Review Replies*****
Sunphoenix – I'm glad you enjoyed! I hope this chapter was also to your liking…chapter 3 is in the works. What would you like to happen? I'm open to ideas!
Tash Q. – Thanks so much! I need ideas for the next chapter…a little help please?
Zorra – Oh my gosh! I'm so glad you are enjoying Master Toei. There will be more of him soon…I really need ideas…I have so many in my mind their all getting mixed up.
Stormy_rose – Hehehe *evil smirk* I'm glad you liked the cliffie, I don't usually do that but I thought it would be good for the first chapter.