A/N: This chapter is long overdue and I apologize for the wait but I hope it was worth it. Thank you to all the readers as usual and please leave a last review for the last chapter. I'd appreciate it a lot.

Secret

Rated: M

Summary: It was his fault that he fell for the enemy's son, it was his fault he insisted on not killing him; but could he bear the force of Ryoma's hate for all the things he did? THRILL

Part V: His Secret

Recap-

As long as Ryoma lived, everything would be okay for Fuji himself. Even if he was dying inside from the hate, even if the people who once loved him scorned him now; he had decided to give up everything for that one person and he would not regret what he did for his love

Tokyo Prefecture

xXx

Ryoma shifted gently. The torture he suffered, the humiliation done to him were etched into his mind whether he wanted it or not and he was sure the king was enjoying his humiliation each time he used Ryoma. Clenching his fist in anger at the thought of that upturned face of superiority that constantly used him; he swore he'd get his revenge. He ram a sword through all these heartless people and though his hands would be stained and the nightmares would probably never cease; he would eliminate those evil people from walking on the same ground as he did.

"Ryoma-sama…." One of the generals spoke hesitantly.

"What is it?" he bit out in slight irritation.

"Can't you try to bare with Fuji-san somewhat?" He asked softly. "He's been bringing food and blankets to us and despite what we may have thought, perhaps he-"

"Do not fall for the trickery of the demons," Ryoma bit out darkly. "I will never prostate to a man who killed my family, destroyed our lands, and keeps up locked in this dark and wet place."

"He seems sincere when he says he'll do his best to get us out though." The general defended.

"Of course he would sound sincere," Ryoma snapped out. "Would you trust a man who didn't?"

Silence graced him and Ryoma didn't speak again. For the past few weeks, Fuji had been coming down for a while to check on them if he didn't send one of his subordinates to. Ryoma never spoke to him and though he tried multiple times to, Ryoma refused to let himself fall for that. It was because he had trusted that man that he was even in this situation, Never would he befriend a traitor again! The evil man probably laughed with his king when the king recounts the humiliation that he was put through in the king's private chambers.

Ryoma knew better than anything that the prince he had been had died with his family. Allt hat was left was a hardened shell that burned with the hate and rage of revenge.

"Could you at least-" Meiko started now.

"I will NEVER trust a man who killed my father." Ryoma stated darkly and clearly to the occupants of the cell as well as the maid.

There were only twelve of them and there was nothing they could do but sit here and wait for death.

Ryoma flinched as shifted on the floor of the cell. His backside was sore from the evil king but the pain that seared each time they talked of Fuji was what destroyed his sense of reason and made him angry. Sometimes Ryoma wanted to convince himself that he never really liked Fuji but that would be a lie. He did… really like that guy and that's why it hurt twice as much as it should've.

He thought Fuji liked him too…

"Come young prince!"

All the occupants looked up to see the King's guards as they usually came down for Ryoma. Though none knew about the ordeal he suffered, he knew they knew that he was being tortured in some way. The fours maids looked tearful and his soldiers clenched their fist knowing there was nothing they could do but Ryoma nodded stiffly at them to signify as usual for them not to do a thing. He would not have the last of his people dying, he would stand strong.

"I want a fuck with that maid," one of the guards jeered looking at Ryoma's maid in want. " Her body is just the right size to accommodate me!"

"You won't lay a hand on her!" A voice interrupted.

"Seiko," The guards unwillingly greeted and left with Ryoma in tow. They knew how skilled High General Fuji's captain was and they didn't want to fight him.

Seiko watched them go before producing water and meals for them.

"Fuji-san is not coming?"

"He's being watched so I was sent instead." Seiko said. "Where are they taking the prince?"

"They always take him every day now around this time. The king tortures him… sometimes he comes back limping badly but will not talk of it." Meiko provided as she sat by the door and accepted the food through the bars from Seiko.

Seiko griped her hand slightly to show his affection that he had grown for her over the last few weeks and nodded his understanding. He'd have to ask Syuusuke if he knew anything about the torture the prince had to go through.

xXx

"What do you want now?" Royma asked not once looking at Atobe directly as he stood straight and arrogant as any proud prince would.

"I've decided to break you more properly." Atobe said with a cruel smile that lifted one side of his mouth. "You'll be imprisoned in this room away from your people. They will eventually starve and die anyways."

"I'd prefer the cell with my people then this overdressed room." Ryoma bit out coldly.

"And that's precisely why you'll be here as my dog," Atobe said moving forward to grab and drag Ryoma's head back. "Be good or else those girls go first."

Ryoma gave him a glacier look but he submitted to the biting pull. As a prince he'd protect his loyal subjects.

xXx

"They separated him!?" Fuji asked Seiko as he stopped his pacing to look at his general.

"Yes… it seems that makes it harder for us." Seiko agreed. "I had no idea that the prince was being punished."

Fuji clenched his fist in anger but didn't voice his frustration. If Atobe wasn't killing him then Fuji had a pretty good idea what he was doing to Ryoma and at the moment he was angry enough to shove his sword through his so-called king.

He had stayed calm and talked to his people and only seven on his soldiers; two captains besides Seiko and one general had pledged to follow him till the end. He had been planning to hit an escape but this was going to take more time if he had to locate Ryoma as well.

DAMN!

And he had been so careful to not seem suspicious and to not involve anyone but Seiko with the hiding place and supplies that they would take.

"What will you do?" Seiko asked looking at Fuji's calm face.

"I'll find him tonight," Fuji decided. "I need thirty minutes of roam time and you'll have to check the others tonight."

Seiko nodded and didn't argue. When Syuusuke made up his mind with that tone, there was no changing his mind.

xXx

That Night

Fuji counted his lucky stars. He was right when he guessed that Atobe would leave him in the small bedroom with no window and sturdy door. He came in through the secret passage and was relieved to see Ryoma trying to pry open the door.

"You're okay…" Fuji uttered.

"YOU," Ryoma growled out after whipping around to see who had snuck up on him.

"Shh!" Fuji said putting a hand out to quiet him. "We can't alert anyone."

"What do you want?" Ryoma asked with a dark glare.

"I want you to trust me Ryoma…" Fuji whispered coming closer. "I promise whatever happens from here out, no matter what, I've always loved you and everything I do and will do is for you."

"Lies!" Royma whispered savagely swinging at Fuji. "I regret the day I met you!"

"Everything happens for a reason, so meeting you will never be a mistake…at least not for me." Fuji said softly.

"Why did you kill my family then?" Ryoma demanded. The question had always been at the tip of his tongue and he wasn't going to hold back now.

"Some things are best left till later to explain." Fuji said softly.

"Then there will never be trust between us!" Ryoma hissed back.

"I saw happiness and peace in your land, with you I saw a future." Fuji started instead. "I only wanted peace for everybody and city."

"You have a funny way of doing it." Ryoma said sarcastically

"I was raised and taught to go about it this way Ryoma." Fuji said looking at Ryoma with his blue eyes. "I knew no other way to achieve that goal till I met you."

"Don't try to draw on my sympathy," Ryoma said stubbornly. "I won't believe you."

Fuji shook his head in denial to show that wasn't the reason he was saying this. He knew Ryoma was weakening to what he was saying but he wasn't going to shove that in Ryoma's face. Right now, the best way to prove he was being real was to show some action… soon.

"Even if you don't believe me, I'm still going to say I loved you all along." Fuji said drawing Ryoma into his arms. "If you don't believe anything else, believe that."

"What are you doing?" Ryoma said with a glare as Fuji pulled him towards the bed. "You think to humiliate me as your king does huh?"

Ryoma heart stopped in slight fear as he saw Fuji's eyes snap open in ice cold hate and he stiffened in anger. Ryoma pulled away in instinct to the aura and suddenly the expression and evil aura dispersed.

Fuji shook his head and pulled the blanket back, putting Ryoma in bed. "I would never do such things to you the way he did it. I just want you to rest."

Ryoma gave him a suspicious look but didn't say anything as he climbed in. Fuji pulled the blanket up and looked at Ryoma as he sat on the bed.

"Was there ever a time you cared about my family? Me?" Ryoma asked

"All the time," Fuji whispered brushing his hair back softly. "That's why you must never be me, you must never hate with revenge."

"I do," Ryoma said darkly with a deep frown. "I'll destroy you as well with my strength."

Fuji nodded his understanding. "Then I'll let you judge me on that day you gain strength."

Ryoma didn't say anything since he did not understand what kind of response was that to his death threat. Did the man not understand he meant to kill him in revenge for his family?

"But…" Fuji continued as Ryoma found it increasingly hard to keep his eyes open.

"What.." Ryoma uttered though his eyes and mind was shutting down in exhaustion.

"Keep your hands clean because a million people would dirty there's for you." Fuji whispered.

He wondered if Ryoma even heard since he was already breathing evenly and asleep. Bending over, Fuji placed a soft kiss upon Ryoma's and smiled sadly.

"If I never see you again, can I keep our memories?" Fuji asked before he slipped away. There was much to do and it seemed a time limit was upon him.

xXx

Few Days Later

"I tire of you disobedience!" Atobe shouted as he slammed Ryoma onto the carpeted floor.

"How low have you fallen to hurt a boy like that?"

Atobe bit his anger back as Tezuka appeared in the throne room with Fuji who had spoken plainly.

"You still care for this brat?" Atobe questioned his ex-lover.

"What do you think?" Fuji asked coolly.

"He doesn't believe that I will rape those women if he doesn't obey me." Atobe stated to his dozen guards who stood nearby. "Shall we go prove that your king will do as he says?"

A cheer went up between the guards and Atobe ordered Tezuka to escort Fuji down as well after seeing the defiant look break Fuji's emotionless face at that. Having other's grab the cursing Ryoma, Atobe led the entourage down to the dungeon.

"Go for it!" Atobe said with a malicious look.

Men stormed within the cell and held the men back while the girls screamed as their clothing was ripped from their bodies. It was all quick as each man forced their legs open and only took pleasure for themselves without care for the women. Again and again they were fondled and used in front of the laughing King, the stone faced Tezuka, the shocked Fuji, screaming prince, and held soldiers of Gunma.

"Shall we rotate more mens?" Atobe asked no one in particular.

Fuji reacted without thought to place or time. His body reacted to his withheld anger and before he fully understood his rage, he was holding his sword against his king's neck.

"You dare?" Tezuka asked drawing a sword against Fuji while three other soldiers moved their king back and drew on him as well.

"You go too far," Fuji said softly though the venom and anger was apparent.

"You do," Atobe said in anger. "Imprison him in his quarters till tomorrow. He is no longer a titled soldier he is merely a peasant!"

Fuji didn't have any regret as Tezuka pushed him upward and out of the dungeon while Atobe retreated his guards and tossed Ryoma in to join his people in seeing just how much power he could exert.

xXx

Fuji's Quarters

Seiko shut the door quickly behind him and walked across the room to Fuji.

"I heard what his Highness did," Seiko said angrily.

"Did you do as I said the other day?" Fuji asked instead looking out the window. He hated how he could do nothing for the people in that cell… how he could do nothing but watch as well. The guilt ate at him for the last few hours he sat here brooding… he should've killed Atobe even if it meant his own death.

"Everything is ready and your loyal people are ready beyond the castle walls." Seiko said. "Are you sure you want to do this Syuusuke?"

"I'm positive," Fuji said taking out a spare sword he kept in a secret compartment in his room. Takign the gold he had stashed as well he gave it all to Seiko to pocket.

"Do you love the prince?" Seiko asked as he followed Fuji to the far side of the room. It had been on him mind ever since Fuji approached him for help to get the people from Gunma out of here. He had known Fuji for ages and though some things were on a whim with Fuji, he knew this wasn't such a situation.

"Promise that if anything is to happen, you'll get them out." Fuji said instead as he slid the secret panel open to reveal a staircase.

"But-"

"Please…" Fuji uttered turning towards Seiko.

Seiko sighed and nodded. He didn't want to think that they were taking a risk with a handful of people against a legion. He too wanted to kill the men who dared touch Meiko but he was level-headed enough to know that it was too risky for the plan and the prisoners.

As they made their way down while making short stops in certain rooms for last minute supplies and weapons, Seiko wondered what Fuji planned for this. He had always shared his plans to the last detail with Seiko and always had a back-up should the plan itself fail but not one word was spoken on the step by step part, only the goal and outline.

Seiko twisted the neck of one guard as Fuji did for the other before they continued on their way. They left dead soldiers in their wake but Seiko knew without having to be told, time was against them in this evacuation… even if they knew all the in and outs to this palace.

"Argh…" One solider let out alerting the Gunma general that someone had come but he wondered what he could do if it was another group to once again have a go with the girls. He was at a resolve to fight them off though and knew he wasn't alone when all the other men and even the prince stood to protect the girls cowering under the blankets.

The door swung open softly and each tensed before they relaxed when they realized who stepped through the doorway.

"Hurry," Fuji said handing swords to the men as Seiko rushed forward with clothes for the women.

No one spoke or questioned the urgency of the situation as they blindly trusted the man watching the door even as he handed out swords to all the men except the prince.

"Scared I'll stab you?" Ryoma asked when Fuji didn't have one for him.

"You don't know how to use one." Fuji explained as he watched Seiko round the girls up.

When everyone was armed, Fuji led the way and motioned the others forward as he pushed Ryoma behind him. This was his decision, there was no backing out.

xXx

Tezuka

Tezuka knew this was the hardest on him. Fuji and he had been the closest growing up and they had always seen eye-to-eye… till now. Atobe was angered and ready to kill Fuji but Tezuka had held him off. Perhaps he himself was selfish for hoping Fuji would stop his foolishness and see once more but he didn't want Fuji to be killed. It was thanks to his strategies that Tokyo was so close to claiming everything and he made sure Sanada and Atobe remembered that when they asked for Fuji's blood a few minutes earlier. They had agreed the Gunma people would be executed in the morning with their prince but Tezuka asked for one more chance to convince Fuji to see right again,

If he failed then Atobe wanted Fuji to die together with them but Tezuka held onto the hope that he would be sane once Gunma's trash was rid of.

"Syuusuke?" Tezuka spoke through the door after dismissing the four guards making sure he stayed within his room.

There was no answer and Tezuka sighed as he knew Fuji was still angry. Opening the door with the key he took from Atobe, He walked in and looked towards the window Fuji would usually be at when he had much to think on. Nothing…

Tezuka frowned and crossed the room to the bed only to find it empty and suddenly he felt a sense of fear escalate in him. He ran to the opposite side and saw the secret compartment he knew Fuji kept with a spare sword open and empty.

Tezuka cursed aloud knowing this meant Fuji had made his decision.

"GUARDS!"

xXx

Ryoma frowned as he trailed his father's murderer from building to building, avoiding the light from the street and sticking to the shadow to get to the gate. He hated that he was starting to trust this traitor and dropping the suspicion that this could be leading to their execution instead of freedom.

Ryoma's heart jumped when they exited the palace walls and a dozen men appeared out of nowhere. He gripped Fuji's back hard and was about to speak when Fuji assured him with a tight hug.

"It's okay… they are my men." Fuji whispered. "Almost out,"

"We're all loaded," Fuji's general said softly as they all made their way to Tokyo's main entrance.

"Good, Seiko…" Fuji said turning to look for his captain.

"Yes?" Seiko asked moving forward to Fuji's side.

"To the right is a gate that's covered by fake wall that'll lead you to where I told you to leave the horses and supplies." Fuji pointed out to his general and Seiko. "In case the palace is already alerted and we split. You all get to the border and don't lose my paper I gave you yesterday Seiko."

"Yes sir," They both replied.

"Then let's-"

Fuji eyes opened as a curse escaped his lips. The bells of attack rang out and that could only mean someone had found that they had escaped.

"Let's move!" Fuji said and they all ran with Seiko leading. He followed up behind as he saw the lights blaze up to provide light in the darkness and from the corner of his eye he could see Tezuka charging forward with a small band of soldiers in pursuit. It seemed they were spotted.

"Syuu-" Ryoma started as he stooped to wait.

"Keep going!" Fuji said angrily pushing him through the secret gate as he went through as well.

He passed Ryoma to a Gunma general who was already on a horse and helped the others load while watching the gate in anticipation of the advancing forces.

"There's only one more horse," Seiko said in urgency as the only one left on the ground was Fuji.

"Lead the way!"Fuji said as he grabbed the last horse. "GO!"

"Syuusuke!" Ryoma shouted all of a sudden in alarm and Fuji saw Tezuka on a horse charging to break the escape line. Fuji swung up on his horse and raised his blade. Though he hated to do this he had to and crossing blades with Tezuka seemed to be fated.

"Syuusuke!" Tezuka growled out in anger.

"I'm sorry!" Fuji uttered as he blocked and defended.

"Ah!"

Fuji turned slightly to see Ryoma fall off the horse he was on.

"Your Highness!" The general called.

Ryoma didn't listen as he came running back towards Fuji.

Fuji cursed as he blocked a heavier hit from Tezuka as he saw the troops pouring from the entrance. Trying to buy time, Fuji used the flat of his blade and hit Tezuka's horse making it rear in alarm. Tezuka's attention immediately went to soothe it giving Fuji time to pick up Ryoma and set him on his horse as they road hard away.

"Why did you do that?" Fuji asked Ryoma.

"You were stuck," Ryoma said stubbornly.

"And what was a prince with no knowledge of weapon going to do for me?" Fuji asked teasingly despite their situation.

"You don't know what I can do," Ryoma said darkly.

Fuji knew the troops would circle and enclose them if he didn't distract them after he saw Seiko's horse go down when a soldier stabbed it. He directed his horse forward to trample the guy and swung down while he motioned Seiko up.

"High General!" Seiko protested.

"I'm not that anymore." Fuji corrected him.

"You always will be to me!" Seiko said loyally.

"Don't you dare," Ryoma started.

"I'll take Tezuka's horse," Fuji said watching Tezuka charging forward.

Ryoma gripped his shirt and wouldn't let go.

"My dream is still alive as long as you live." Fuji whispers to him.

"You and those confusing things you say-" Ryoma started but Fuji could only see that this was stalling everything as Tezuka neared closer than ever. Turning to Ryoma, he pressed a kiss to his lips to stun him and pried Ryoma's hand off.

"As long as you live, your people can still hold on to hope. To me, you are everything I've ever fought for."

That was enough for Seiko to pull away with Ryoma and Fuji had just enough time to block Tezuka and stab his horse.

'Sorry Ryoma…'

xXx

Prison

"Why?" Tezuka bit out.

"You know why," Fuji said not looking up at his ex-lovers at all. He was happy that at the end, Ryoma had depended on him and trusted him enough to want to be with him when he fell behind.

"Was he worth it?" Atobe bit out now. "Why would you do this to us?"

"Because I realized how wrong we were."Fuji stated.

"You know what this means," Sanada said coldly to Tezuka. Tezuka didn't say anything, he only turned away and left.

"Kill him," Atobe said mercilessly.

xXx

Elsewhere

Border between Ibaraki and Gunma prefecture

2 days later

"Love comes in many forms captain. If I were to guess, I'd say we handful are still alive because you protected us with everything you could." Ryoma's general said to Seiko who sat with the other loyal soldiers of Fuji.

"It was our High General you have to thank." Seiko amended.

"You did a lot as well." Ryoma's general insisted.

"It was a love that never got to be fully expressed nor felt. I don't know how to tell him that High General Fuji will definitely be executed for this treason." Seiko said softly looking over at Ryoma who was trying to learn how to hold a sword from one of his soldiers.

"He'll have to take it like a man." Ryoma's general said after a while. "The child died the day Tokyo attacked Gunma."

Seiko nodded and approached Ryoma. News had reached them that Fuji had been publicly executed two days ago.

"If I could have a word your majesty," Seiko said softly interrupting.

"Yes?" Ryoma asked turning to face him.

"High General Fuji wanted me to tell you after we reached safety that he never killed your family." Seiko said softly. "I can tell you it wasn't him either. It was High General Tezuka who led that attack and it was our High General Fuji that killed Tokyo's troops trying to get to you and your family that day… sadly he was too late for everyone but you."

"You see Ryoma, your family and you need to go into hiding because of the approaching war." Fuji explained looking straight at Ryoma.

Ryoma remembered that last conversation before Gunma was attacked and he went inside to look for his family. Fuji HAD tried to warn him… to save them.

Ryoma swallowed a lump that he hadn't known was forming in his throat and knew what the captain was trying to tell him. He had seen them speak to the villagers and hold conference as well as a prayer session.

"Thank you for telling me." Ryoma finally spoke through the lump and angry tears that threatened to spill. "I'm going to put down my tennis racquet as Syuu suggested and train at swords. I'll get my revenge and kill High General Tezuka and the King."

"High General Fuji wouldn't have wanted that your Majesty, he loved peace." Seiko protested.

"I'll try to follow that way after my revenge," Ryoma said stubbornly.

"Hatred breeds nothing but that… if there is no forgiveness then the cycle never ceases."

Ryoma didn't answer but everyone notes that he has grown… his eyes have hardened and the world was now open to him. His every decision now would be made wisely and with Fuji's papers on how to defend against Tokyo as well as the map of Tokyo's palace with them, he'd make sure to finish this war and begin the era of peace that Syuusuke only dreamed of seeing.

"I finally figured out his twisted logic; his poker face, his confusing words to me. I found and finally understood the thin line between love and hate. He foolishly played both to protect someone like me and I couldn't even tell him thank you in the end."

A/N: I hope you guys all enjoy this story. I really didn't know what I wanted in an ending so I decided to leave it a bit open-ended. They didn't really get the chance to love but not all love stories get to flourish to its full potential. Review please and thank you for reading.