Love or Vengeance - Chapter 4：Things aren't always what they seem

“Welcome everyone. I’m glad to see that you all could make it to our annual ball. Before we begin, I would like to make an announcement. Tonight’s ball is going to be the most exciting ball we’ve ever had. The duke has just informed me that his daughter Lady Cana is engaged.”

The people clapped and cheered.

“And you must be wondering who the lucky man is. Yamato, would you please come forward.” Said the king as he motioned for Yamato to come next to him. “Everyone, this is Tanaka Yamato. I’m certain that none of you know who he is. Well, give me a chance to explain. I believe everyone here remembers the tragedy of fourteen years ago. That day my parents and my younger brother left me alone in this world. I thought that I had lost everything. But today, Ishin-san has blessed me with such an extraordinary news that even I couldn’t believe at first. He informed me that my younger brother was still alive.”

The whole room went silent.

“Yes. My younger brother is alive. Everyone, I would like to introduce to you, Prince Julius Wisseragna. Lady Cana’s fiancé.” Said the king as he pointed towards Yamato.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Some even started tearing up and hugging each other. It was a very happy moment for everyone indeed.

“I will not go into details for now since we are here to enjoy ourselves. I know all of you have questions, but now’s not the time for that. Tonight is a joyful night. So because of this great news, let us all celebrate like we have never done before. Let the ball begin.” Said the king as the crowd erupted in cheers.

A lot of people surrounded Yamato welcoming him back, congratulating him and Cana on their engagement, introducing themselves or asking questions. It was a very special night indeed.

“I see you made a lot of friends, brother.” Said the king as he gave Yamato a pat on the back.

“It would seem like it. Didn’t know that I’d become so popular.” Said Yamato.

“But of course you would be. You were presumed dead for so long. But I’m glad that the information was wrong.”

“Me too. A few months ago, I wouldn’t have imagined that I was a prince.”

“Indeed. You must have faced quite a few problems these past few months. But let’s not spoil the mood. We can talk about all this later. So when are you and Cana-san planning on getting married? Have you chosen a date yet?”

“M-marriage? Isn’t that a bit soon?”

“Well, I wouldn’t think so. You are both old enough and given your royal status, I believe it’s the right time for that.”

Yamato looked at Cana for a moment. She was surrounded by some women who were congratulating her on her engagement.

“I guess…”

“Not to mention that the two of you are childhood friends and have been engaged since back then.”

“What? Cana-chan and I knew each other since before the incident.”

“Why of course. The two of you were inseparable. You guys were together all day. Don’t you remember?”

“No. All I remember is my time spent with those fakes.”

“I see. Which means your memories have been erased.”

“My memories?”

“Yes. They must have erased them in order to keep you quiet. But no matter. All that matters is that you are alive and well. Let’s enjoy the rest of the ball.”

“Yamato-kun, are you alright?” Asked Cana who came to join the two.

“Yes. I am. But that’s what I’m supposed to be asking you.”

“Oh, that. They all surrounded me and started congratulating me on our engagement and asking questions about how we found you.”

“Everyone is very excited tonight. By tomorrow, the news of my brother’s return and your engagement to him will spread all over Wisseragna. Speaking of which, he is Julius now.” Said the King.

“Of course. Sorry about that, Julius.”

“No worries.”

Then the band started playing and Julius turned to Cana.

“Cana-chan, would you honor me with this dance?” Said Julius as he bowed.

“Of course, Julius.” Said Cana as she gave him her hand.

“Oh? So you can dance, brother? I see Cana-san has proven to be a very good wife already.”

The two of them blushed and smiled at each other as they made their way on the dance floor. The two of them swayed together in perfect sync. Everyone was admiring this young couple. Cana looked up in Yamato’s eyes. She was extremely happy to be able to be together with the person she loved most. And Yamato felt the same way. It was like time has stopped for the two of them as they just continued to dance through the night ignoring the audience that was mostly looking at them than dancing.

“They really do make a wonderful couple.” Said a lady.

“Yes. That they do.” Said another.

Yamato smiled at Cana who turned a nice shade of pink.

“I’m so glad Prince Julius is alive and well.” Said a man.

“And to think that they were the same kids who used to play together since they were born.” Said another lady.

Yamato’s expression changed slightly.

“Julius, are you alright?” Asked Cana.

“Oh…um…yes. Why don’t we go on to the balcony and get some fresh air?”

“That would be nice.”

The two of them made their way to the balcony where they could finally be alone for a while.

“Julius, is everything okay?” Asked Cana who looked a bit concerned.

“I really can’t get anything past you, can i?” Said Yamato as he smiled at Cana.

“Not if you have me as a fiancé.” Said Cana who smiled back at him as she held his arm.

“Cana-chan. We’ve known each other longer than a few months, isn’t it?”

“How do you know that?”

“My brother mentioned it. He said that the reason why I don’t remember anything is because my memories have been erased. Is it true?”

Cana looked up at him.

“Yes. It’s true. We’ve known each other for quite some time. Since we were just little toddlers, we’ve been inseparable. So our parents decided to get us engaged to one and other.”

“You remember all that?”

“Yes. When the two of us heard that we were gonna get married once we grew up, we started playing around, pretending to be a couple. You even proposed to me.”

“What?! I did that?”

“Mmm hmm. And we even had our first kiss.” Said Cana as she giggled. But then her smile faded. “I was devastated when I heard what had happened. I cried and locked myself in my room for a whole month. My dad and a few others would come to check up on me, urging me to come out or to leave me some food. I didn’t know what to do anymore.” Said Cana as she started tearing up.

“Don’t cry. I’m here now. I’m sorry for leaving you all alone. I might not remember anything from the past, but I promise to always be by you from now on.” Said Yamato as he held her in his arms.

“Thank you.” Said Cana as she rested her head on his chest.

“By the way, I’ve never asked but, where is your mother?

“My mother… She was killed alongside the king and queen.”

“What? I’m so sorry for bringing up such a bad memory.”

“It’s alright. I should have told you sooner. But I don’t want to let it affect me. Especially since I have you with me.”

“And I’ll always be here with you.” Said Yamato as he lowered his head for a kiss.

◆◆◆

After the ball,

“That was a magnificent ball, your majesty.” Said the duke.

“That is all thanks to you, Ishin-san. You turned tonight into the best night of my life. I should be thanking you.” Said King Victor.

“It was an honor to be able to save Prince Julius.”

“Oh but you don’t intend to go back home, do you?

“With your permission, of course.”

“Nonsense. The three of you will spend the night here. You must be tired. Besides, we have a lot of catching up to do. Don’t we, Julius?”

“Y-Yes. We do.” Said Yamato who didn’t quite know how to respond.

“Excellent. Please prepare two rooms.” Said King Victor to one of his servants.

“Two?” Asked Yamato.

“Of course. One for Ishin-san and one for you and Cana-san. Ah come on brother. Don’t tell me you’re shy.”

“I-I’m not shy. Very well. If Cana-chan is okay with it.” Said Yamato who turned to look at Cana.

“Yes. I don’t have a problem with it.”

“Then it’s settled. Let’s rest for tonight. We’ll do more talking tomorrow. The maids will show you to your rooms. Have a good night everyone.” Said King Victor.

“Good night, your majesty.” Said the three.

◆◆◆

The next day in Yamato’s and Cana’s room, Yamato slowly opens his eyes and turns to look at Cana who was still sleeping beside him. He smiled at her as he quietly stood up so that he wouldn’t wake her up.

“I love you.” Said Yamato as he whispered into her ear. He then made his way to the bathroom.

When the door to the bathroom closed, Cana opened her eyes and smiled.

“I love you too.”

Fifteen minutes later, Yamato makes his way out of the bathroom. Cana was now wide awake, standing on the balcony. Yamato went over to her and held her in his arms.

“Good morning Cana-chan. Slept well?”

“Good morning Julius. Yes. I slept amazing.” Said Cana as she leaned on him.

“You must have been very tired last night. With all the questions and attention.”

“You got more attention than I did.”

“Well, I can’t argue with that.”

“I’ll go get ready to go. It’ll soon be time for breakfast.” Said Cana who gave Yamato a kiss on the cheek.

“Alright.”

◆◆◆

Later in the dining hall,

“Good morning everyone. I hope you all slept well.” Said King Victor as he greeted them.

“Good morning, your majesty. Yes we have. Thank you.” Said Ishin as he bowed.

“Come. Breakfast will be served soon.” Said the king.

The three of them joined the king at the table.

“Julius, after this, I will answer any questions you may have. I believe you have quite a few, is it not?” Asked the king.

“Yes I do. Thank you for your time.”

“There is no need to be so formal. We are brothers after all.”

“Yes. That’s true. I keep forgetting. This is still new to me.”

“Don’t worry. You will soon get used to it.”

After breakfast, in the king’s study,

“Very well. You may ask me anything.”

“I don’t even know where to start.”

“Well, how about the beginning?”

“Yes. What exactly happened that night?”

“As you know, the attack was targeted at the royal family. We have been receiving news from reliable sources about some kind of plot against us, but we couldn’t stop it. I was still too young at that time to understand all that was going on so I don’t know all the facts. That night, there was a sudden explosion in the palace. With that, the whole royal family was on the run. It was total chaos. The fact was that the assassins also disguised themselves as the guards. It was a terrifying sight. As we were running, I got separated from you all. By the time I managed to find you, it was already too late. Mother and Father were dead and you were nowhere to be found. I ran looking for help, when I stumbled into another room where I found Ishin-san who was holding his wife’s lifeless body. It was a bloody massacre. Over fifty people died that night.”

“What happened after that?”

“By the time morning came, the assassins were long gone. The few people that survived looked up to me for guidance since I was the only member of the royal family still alive. Even though I was young, I knew what kind of responsibility I had. So I asked Ishin-san for his assistance. And thanks to him, we managed to restore everything. And now, also thanks to him and Cana-san, I was reunited with my younger brother.”

“I’m glad I was able to find him on time. Any minute later and it might have been too late.” Said Ishin.

“Yes. That might be true. Is there anything else you would like to ask?” Asked the king.

“Yes. Yesterday you mentioned how my memory was erased. What did you mean by that?”

“Hmm. You see the fact that you don’t remember anything from before that night proves that your memory was wiped clean.”

“But how is that possible? Was I hit on the head?”

“There is a certain device called the Terminator. It’s used to terminate any part of a person’s memory. Although, only the palace has the device. I believe that the person who kidnapped you decided to wipe your memories of your life in the palace.”

“But why? And why would anyone kidnap me? I can understand if it were for ransom. But that wasn’t the case.”

“Yes. This has got me quite confused. Why would they kidnap you and keep you alive for so many years?” Said the king as he went into deep thought. “Ishin-san, not long ago Cana-san was shot. Are these incidents related by any chance?”

“Oh yes. Forgive me for not telling you sooner. But I believe that they should tell you everything.” Said Ishin gesturing to Yamato and Cana.

“Yes. That night Cana-chan was shot. It was an assassination attempt. But the shot was directed towards me.”

“You? So the assassins are still after you. Do you know who attempted to kill you?”

“Yes. It was actually my…my best friend whom I’ve known since I was seven years old. We ended up going to the same high school. His name is Kiba or at least I think that that’s his name. By the looks of things, he has been assigned to kill me. He must be working with the same people who were behind the attack. After the incident where he shot Cana-chan, we went out with our friends to the mall. That’s where I found out that Kiba was behind the shooting. We waited to see if he would make his move. But he didn’t. He actually waited for everyone to leave and came to confront Cana-chan and I as we were heading home. I fought him there, but I was no match for him. After that he ran away since our bodyguards came after us. That was the last time we ever saw him.”

“Are there other people that know about this?” Asked Victor.

“Yes. There are two friends of ours from school. Akari Murasame and Reina Yatogami. They’ve been with us since the very beginning.” Said Cana.

“I see. I believe the next course of action is too find this Kiba and capture him. We might get something out of him.” Said Victor.

“That won’t be necessary, your Majesty.” Said a voice.

“Who’s there?” Said Ishin as he drew his sword.

“Oh Mochizuki-sama, I know we only met once, but you can at least remember my voice.” Said the man. He then jumped down from the ceiling.

“Kiba.” Said Yamato as he too drew out his sword.

“At your service, Prince Julius.” Said Kiba as he gave a slight bow.

“What are you doing here?” Asked Yamato.

“Come on. Is that how you talk to your old friend?”

“Old friend? You’re nothing but a traitor. I’m gonna get rid of you here and now.” Said Yamato as he began to move towards Kiba.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Said Kiba as he lifted his hand to stop Yamato. “This floor of the palace is in my complete control. As we speak, fifty men have occupied this floor. So unless you want the remnant of your family to die, I suggest you be a good little prince and stand down.”

“Why should I believe you? You’re nothing but a coward.” Said Yamato who began to charge at Kiba.

BANG!

“ARGH!” Cried Victor as he got shot in the arm.

“Victor!” Cried Yamato.

“Your Majesty, are you alright?” Asked Ishin.

“Y-yes. I’m f-fine.”

“You see what you caused, Julius? Now be a good boy and put the sword back in its scabbard or the next bullet will end up in his head.”

Yamato slowly put his sword away as he kept his eyes on Kiba.

“See? That wasn’t so hard.”

“What do you want? Why are you doing all this?”

“Me? I don’t have a reason for it. I just follow orders.”

“Who is behind all of this?”

“That I can’t tell you. But what I can tell you is why we’re here. And that is to speak to his Majesty.”

“Why? What do you have to tell me?” Asked Victor.

“I came with a request. Or should I say a deal.”

“Who would we ever make a deal with the likes of you?” Asked Yamato in anger.

“Julius, let’s hear what he has to say.” Said Victor. “What is it you want from me?”

“I want two things. I want the plans for the Destroyer and all the research on project SS.”

“What?! How do you know about that?” Asked Ishin.

“You’re really asking me that this late in the game? You must really underestimate me. Oh yes. I almost forgot. I said that this is a deal. If you give me what I asked for, I promise to spare your lives.”

“As if we’ll give you anything.” Said Yamato.

“All that is up to you. I have done what I set out to do today. As of now, you have twenty-four hours in order to give me what I asked for. After twenty-four hours, one of you will die. Oh and this includes Akari and Reina as well. The cycle shall repeat itself until I get what I want. And with that, I’ll be on my way. Don’t worry. My men will leave as well.” Said Kiba as he went towards the large window. “Oh before I go, my real name is Freed. Freed Arkenos.” Said Kiba as he jumped off.

“Wait!” Shouted Yamato who ran to the window. “He’s gone. Victor, are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. It’s just a scratch. More importantly, he said his real name is Freed Arkenos.”

“Yes he did. So Kiba was not his real name after all.” Said Ishin.

“But at least we got some good information. I have been looking for the assassins that attacked us that night for years. And I’ve managed to get a few leads. It seems that this Freed joined the organization that attacked us about five years ago. He is also the 2nd in command.” Said Victor.

“What? He has that much authority?” Asked Yamato in shock.

“Yes. Which makes him even more dangerous.”

“Julius. He mentioned that if we don’t give him what he wants, he’ll kill us one by one. He mentioned Reina and Akari too.” Said Cana.

“That bastard. I won’t let him get away with this. We’ll need to get them to a safe location. But what is it that he asked for?” Asked Yamato turning towards Ishin and his brother.

“I believe it’s time for you to know about this as well. The Destroyer and project SS are both projects that would enhance our military power.” Said Victor.

“What? You want to start a war?” Asked Yamato.

“No. These projects were both shut down ten years ago. The Destroyer was a war machine, capable of wiping out a whole city. And project SS actually stands for Super Soldiers. There was research done on enhancing the body capabilities of a normal soldier allowing him to possess super human abilities such as super strength, speed, body armor and so on. When I heard that such research was being done, I shut it down immediately.”

“But who would come up with such destructive research?” Asked Cana.

“I don’t know. Everyone said that father was behind it but I can’t just bring myself to believe it.” Said Victor. “But that’s enough for now. I don’t plan on giving Freed the plans to the Destroyer or the research on project SS even if it’s the last thing I do. For now, I believe the best course of action is for all of us to be on guard. He said that every twenty-four hours, he would kill one of us. Julius, you and Cana go and get Reina-san and Akari-san immediately and head home. I will increase the number of guards around there as well. Make sure to stay safe. Ishin-san, I would like to discuss the matter of countering Freed’s attack. I hope that the next time we see each other will be in a safer situation.” Said Victor as he stood up.

“Very well. We’ll be on our way.” Said Yamato.

“Just a moment. Julius, remember. Everyone now knows that you are alive. Be careful.”

“I will. Let’s go Cana-chan.” Said Yamato as they began to head out.

◆◆◆

“Alright Cana-chan. I believe that 3rd period should have started by now. If you ask the teacher, they might let Reina and Akari come out with us.” Said Yamato as they walked towards their class.

“Okay.” Said Cana as she knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Said the teacher. “OH! Y-Your Highness! W-Welcome.” Said the teacher as she gave a bow.

“Right. They know I’m a prince now.”

“Please there is no need for that.”

“Yamato-kun! How come you never said anything about this?” Asked a student.

“Yeah. You’re really a prince?” Asked another.

“Ahhh! An actual prince.” Screamed some girls.

“Please. I will answer all your questions later. Uchida-sensei, is it possible to allow Murasame-san and Yatogami-san to leave school early?” Asked Yamato.

“Of course. You don’t even need to ask. Girls, please take your things and go with his royal highness.”

“Thank you sensei.”

“So, royal life’s treating you well I see.” Said Reina as the four of them left the class.

“I wish it were the case.”

“Is there something wrong?” Asked Akari. “Why do we have to leave school so early?”

“Don’t worry. Everything will be explained. But not here.” Said Cana.

“Yes. Just come with us for now.” Said Yamato as they headed outside.

“It’s Kiba, isn’t it?” Asked Reina.

“Shh! Not here.” Said Yamato.

◆◆◆

At the duke’s home,

“What?! He’s going to kill us?” Asked Akari in shock.

“No. He won’t. Mochizuki-san and my brother are working together to make sure nothing of that sort ever happens.”

“That’s a relief.” Said Akari.

“But for the time being, we need the two of you to stay here with us.” Said Cana.

“Here? Are you sure?” Asked Reina.

“Yes. For now, this house and the palace are the safest places to be in. And since Ki… I mean Freed is targeting you too, it’s best to stay close to us.” Said Yamato.

“You have a point.”

“It’s settled then. I’ll head to the palace to inform Mochizuki-san and my brother that you are already here and to check on the preparations. I’ll be back soon.”

“Please be careful out there.” Said Cana.

“Don’t worry. I will.”

◆◆◆

At the palace,

“Your majesty, Prince Julius has arrived.”

“Let him in.” Said the king.

“Good afternoon brother.”

“Julius, welcome back. The two girls are with Cana-san I presume.”

“Yes. They’re all home. Safe and sound.”

“That’s good. Ishin-san and I were just discussing on a way to capture Freed once and for all.”

“Yes. We thought that we should wait for him to make his move. Since we know where everyone is at this point, it will be easy to predict where he will go first.”

“That might work.”

RING! RING!

“Excuse me for a moment. Hello?” Said Yamato as he answered his phone.

“So you thought you could trick me by getting those two to stay with you in a “safe place”? Well, it isn’t so safe after all.”

“What do you want Freed?! If you even try to lay a finger on them, I’ll tear you limb from limb.”

“I just called you to inform you that I shifted the time limit from twenty-four hours to a few seconds. You’re at the palace, right? I wonder what surprise will await you when you get home. See you later.”

“WHAT?!!! FREED!!!”

“What happened, Julius?” Asked the king.

“I need to get back now. I don’t have time to explain.” Said Yamato as he ran out the door and down to the car.

“Take me to the mansion. Fast!” He told the driver.

On his way to the mansion, his body kept shaking. As he got close, he could see a dark cloud forming in the sky.

“NO! NO! NO!”

By the time he reached the front of the mansion, it was too late. The whole building was in flames.

“MOVE! I need to get inside.” Screamed Yamato as he tried to make his way to the main entrance.

“No, your highness. It’s too dangerous.” Said some guards as they held him back.

“It’s already too late.” Said another.

“NO! It can’t be! I need to get to them! REINA, AKARI, CANA!!!”