A Game of Masks Chapter 10
Title: A Game of Masks
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
The assassin bowed in shame before the earl who was fiercely pinching the bridge of his nose in an effort to keep his temper in check. “So let me get this straight. You were unable to complete your mission because of another assassin?”
“Yes, sir. Apparently someone else wants the lord dead as well. It must be someone powerful and rich because the man he hired is the best and he doesn't come cheap. That's assuming it wasn't the king himself; most of the jobs this assassin takes on come straight from the crown.”
“Hmmm, interesting. You're certain you've correctly identified the one you faced?”
“Not one hundred percent. However, given the choice of weapon, his ability to avert disaster by catching a vase I knocked over and his insistence on following the Assassin's Creed I'm pretty certain it's him. There's few that have his skill. In all honesty, I'm fortunate he decided to call a truce. I was at my limit, trying to fight him and it was just a matter of time until he overpowered me or I made someone aware of our existence,” the youth replied.
“I'm confused. Why would he call a draw rather than suggesting the two of you both take caredit; you know, two birds with one stone?” Kyuhyun asked.
“I've wondered the same thing. Assuming I'm correct about who he is, he believes very strongly in only taking credit for work he actually does and not letting anyone else take that away from him. Awhile back another “professional”, who was anything but, bragged that he was the one who performed several difficult hits. This angered the true assassin so much he took it upon himself to deal with the imposter, who was found with his head almost completely severed from his body. He saves this method for those against whom he has a personal vendetta. So all of us took notice; anyone who values his life wouldn't dare say he killed someone that this guy actually took care of.” As he finished speaking the young assassin shivered; he couldn't stand brutality or any form of strangulation.
Kyuhyun signed. “You were fortunate, then. Regardless, this is a complication in my plan. Lord Shindong must be wondering what is taking so long. Here's what we're going to do. Go back and try again. No doubt the other assassin is reporting to whoever hired him. Hopefully another opportunity will present itself before he can give it another go. If the timing isn't right it won't have the effect I want at all. So hurry and be ready to leave within the next two hours. Let's hope that you are successful this time and that if you do meet this other assassin again he'll hold to the Creed. By the way, does this guy have a name?”
“No one is certain of his real name or cover occupation. He's known by several nicknames - The Shadow, Number One and Master P.”
“Master P? What does that stand for?”
The boy replied, “I think it stands for perfection. This guy is a perfectionist to the highest degree. Don't worry, I won't fail you again; I stake my life on it!” So saying he bowed lower before the earl. “I offer my blood in payment if I am unsucessful.”
Sighing, Kyuhyun replied, “There's no need to be so dramatic. No person is infallible and this wasn't a major failure. Save the theatrics for something major like killing the wrong person or getting caught.” He lifted the youth up and gave him a reassuring hug. “Alright, run along now and get ready to go.”
“Thank you for your faith and encouragement. I'll show you they aren't misplaced. After all you've done for me, this is the least I can do in return.” The assassin turned and headed for his quarters.
In another part of the kingdom a similar scene was playing out. “What do you mean you didn't complete the job?” Lord Shindong coldly asked the man before him.
“Exactly what I said. There was another assassin there so I was unable to kill the target,” the other replied.
“You're supposed to be the best. How could the presence of a lesser assassin thwart you?”
Fixing the older man with a piercing glare, the assassin replied, “I could have killed him if I wanted to but it was not a situation where lethality was called for. He wasn't trying to kill me; like he could have, anyway.”
“Well, couldn't you have just killed your target and both of you gone on your separate ways? The guy ends up dead, both employers are happy, it's a win-win situation. Who cares which person actually does the deed?”
“I care,” the assassin replied, leaning in close to Shindong's face. “Never will I say I killed someone I didn't and no one takes credit for my work - ever!” The last word was practically a hiss.
Shindong didn't flinch at the murderous look in the assassin's eye but conceded the point with a nod. “Fine, whatever. The fact remains that the man you were hired to kill is still alive and breathing. That is not what I need right now.”
“Well, there is always next time. The other assassin and I agreed to wait one night before another attempt.”
“Honestly, I don't care who kills that man or exactly when, as long as it's soon. There are other things I need to attend to. If someone else wants to use their money and resources to off this guy, that's fine with me. If he isn't dead within a week then I'll send you again. Yes, that will work. Alright, you're dismissed.”
“My payment is due.”
“Oh no. I made a down payment when I hired you with the balance due upon successful completion of the job. You failed so no more money. If I need you to try again then I'll pay you,” Shindong replied.
The master was not pleased but could say nothing in return. “You know how to contact me if you need me.” At the other man's nod, he quickly turned on his heel and briskly walked away.
Shindong watched the assassin walk away and sighed. This unforeseen wrinkle wouldn't completely ruin his plans but did alter the timing of certain events. He hoped that it would not conflict with whatever Kyuhyun planned. The lord was actually surprised that the huge shocking event hadn't happened yet. All he could do was wait and see to his own matters in the meantime. There was still plenty of things that needed his attention. Sighing once again, he left the room for his next meeting.
Zhou Mi whistled happily to himself as he strolled through the grounds surrounding Earl Kyuhyun's castle. That little page boy Henry hadn't lied when he said there were many beautiful, and single, ladies in the area. Over the past few weeks the scholar had made the acquaintance of quite a few of them. He was surprised by how accepting they had been of a foreigner and one of modest means at that. As a scholar Zhou Mi had not been rich; however, he had made some smart investments and had amassed a comfortable nest egg which he was able to bring with him into exile - or so everyone thought. Zhou Mi brought to mind all the pleasant women he had recently met and one of them came to the forefront. Lady Victoria wasn't a real lady but rather a lady's maid. Her family wasn't well to do or poor. They were at the top of the working class meaning they did not live hand to mouth and had their choice of coveted positions and apprenticeships. However, without marrying into a noble household, an extremely unlikely event, her family would never be able to cross the huge chasm separating them from the upper class.
It was Victoria's long black hair and green eyes that had caught his attention at first. As the days progressed and Zhou Mi learned more about her he felt more and more drawn to the lady. Unlike many of the other eligible ladies, she was not very outgoing. The scholar realized Victoria was a bit of a loner, however, once he got close to her he found her to be charming, loyal, determined and a bit stubborn - all traits he found endearing. Wherever they would go Victoria would inevitably find some animal to cuddle and love; the woman had an affinity for animals that Zhou Mi had never seen before. All in all, Zhou Mi found Victoria to be a beautiful person inside and out. As he smiled brightly thinking about his last conversation with the lady the silence was broken by a voice.
“It's good to see you in such high spirits, Scholar Zhou Mi. It looks as if the transition has been a smooth and happy one for you.”
Startled out of his reverie, Zhou Mi turned to see the owner of the voice and it was none other than Henry. Think of the devil and the devil appears.
“Henry, my boy. Yes, I'm settling in well. How are you doing? If I may be honest, you look a bit tired.”
“I am a little tired,” he admitted with a sigh. “Being a page, I am at the beck and call of the earl. Lately he's kept me busy running to and fro.”
“Poor boy, you deserve some rest. Sometimes we adults forget teenagers can't work as hard and long as we can.”
“Oh, please don't misunderstand me. I'm not complaining or blaming Earl Kyuhyun at all. He has a lot of things to take care of recently and it pleases me to be able to help him in any way I can. So while I may be tired, it's a good tired. The earl has given me so much I'll never be able to repay him. My loyal service is all I can give,” Henry said, his eyes begging the older man not to think ill of his liege.
“The earl is a fortunate man indeed, having you serve him. If only all subjects were as loyal as you, no one would have to worry about uprisings or civil unrest.”
Henry blushed but said nothing. “I'm sorry, sir, but I must run. Earl Kyuhyun has sent me on an errand and it's almost time for me to leave. Please take care of yourself.”
“And the same to you, my young friend. Find time to rest when you can. I look forward to seeing you again,” the elder responded.
The page bowed and then ran off. Zhou Mi smiled at him once more before continuing on his way. His mind was full of thoughts about Kyuhyun and his ability to inspire such devotion in his page. I wonder how many other people are that loyal to the earl. How far would they go to prove that loyalty? Hmm, interesting.
Deep in the royal kitchens Piao Min wiped the sweat running down her face with her sleeve before returning to the pot she was scouring. She sighed, looking at the pile of cooking pots waiting for her attention. Being a scullery maid certainly is the worst job there is. Hopefully I can move my way up the ladder before my body is forever ruined. Come on, Piao Min, you can do it! Keep your eyes on your goal; every day is one step closer to achieving it. Don't let his faith in you go to waste. You've worked hard to get this far, don't give in now. Jia you, jia you!! Piao Min returned to her work with a renewed will, tapping into a reserve of energy she didn't even know she had.
On the far side of the room two pairs of eyes watched her. The owner of one pair nodded, approving of the maid's actions. Hidden in the shadows, unseen, the other felt his heart miss a beat. What in the world is she doing here and in such a position? This must be a mistake, it's impossible. The onlooker rubbed his eyes but the scene didn't change. It really was Piao Min hard at work scrubbing pots. For probably the first time in his life this person didn't know what to think or do, their brain simply shut down. After several minutes of incoherent mind-babbling, he shook himself and went on his way, still agitated. This is something I never expected. I need to find out why she's here, but not right now. There's more pressing issues at hand.
Piao Min continued with her work, ignorant of the attention she had attracted. Time would tell whether that interest boded well or ill for her.
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
The assassin bowed in shame before the earl who was fiercely pinching the bridge of his nose in an effort to keep his temper in check. “So let me get this straight. You were unable to complete your mission because of another assassin?”
“Yes, sir. Apparently someone else wants the lord dead as well. It must be someone powerful and rich because the man he hired is the best and he doesn't come cheap. That's assuming it wasn't the king himself; most of the jobs this assassin takes on come straight from the crown.”
“Hmmm, interesting. You're certain you've correctly identified the one you faced?”
“Not one hundred percent. However, given the choice of weapon, his ability to avert disaster by catching a vase I knocked over and his insistence on following the Assassin's Creed I'm pretty certain it's him. There's few that have his skill. In all honesty, I'm fortunate he decided to call a truce. I was at my limit, trying to fight him and it was just a matter of time until he overpowered me or I made someone aware of our existence,” the youth replied.
“I'm confused. Why would he call a draw rather than suggesting the two of you both take caredit; you know, two birds with one stone?” Kyuhyun asked.
“I've wondered the same thing. Assuming I'm correct about who he is, he believes very strongly in only taking credit for work he actually does and not letting anyone else take that away from him. Awhile back another “professional”, who was anything but, bragged that he was the one who performed several difficult hits. This angered the true assassin so much he took it upon himself to deal with the imposter, who was found with his head almost completely severed from his body. He saves this method for those against whom he has a personal vendetta. So all of us took notice; anyone who values his life wouldn't dare say he killed someone that this guy actually took care of.” As he finished speaking the young assassin shivered; he couldn't stand brutality or any form of strangulation.
Kyuhyun signed. “You were fortunate, then. Regardless, this is a complication in my plan. Lord Shindong must be wondering what is taking so long. Here's what we're going to do. Go back and try again. No doubt the other assassin is reporting to whoever hired him. Hopefully another opportunity will present itself before he can give it another go. If the timing isn't right it won't have the effect I want at all. So hurry and be ready to leave within the next two hours. Let's hope that you are successful this time and that if you do meet this other assassin again he'll hold to the Creed. By the way, does this guy have a name?”
“No one is certain of his real name or cover occupation. He's known by several nicknames - The Shadow, Number One and Master P.”
“Master P? What does that stand for?”
The boy replied, “I think it stands for perfection. This guy is a perfectionist to the highest degree. Don't worry, I won't fail you again; I stake my life on it!” So saying he bowed lower before the earl. “I offer my blood in payment if I am unsucessful.”
Sighing, Kyuhyun replied, “There's no need to be so dramatic. No person is infallible and this wasn't a major failure. Save the theatrics for something major like killing the wrong person or getting caught.” He lifted the youth up and gave him a reassuring hug. “Alright, run along now and get ready to go.”
“Thank you for your faith and encouragement. I'll show you they aren't misplaced. After all you've done for me, this is the least I can do in return.” The assassin turned and headed for his quarters.
In another part of the kingdom a similar scene was playing out. “What do you mean you didn't complete the job?” Lord Shindong coldly asked the man before him.
“Exactly what I said. There was another assassin there so I was unable to kill the target,” the other replied.
“You're supposed to be the best. How could the presence of a lesser assassin thwart you?”
Fixing the older man with a piercing glare, the assassin replied, “I could have killed him if I wanted to but it was not a situation where lethality was called for. He wasn't trying to kill me; like he could have, anyway.”
“Well, couldn't you have just killed your target and both of you gone on your separate ways? The guy ends up dead, both employers are happy, it's a win-win situation. Who cares which person actually does the deed?”
“I care,” the assassin replied, leaning in close to Shindong's face. “Never will I say I killed someone I didn't and no one takes credit for my work - ever!” The last word was practically a hiss.
Shindong didn't flinch at the murderous look in the assassin's eye but conceded the point with a nod. “Fine, whatever. The fact remains that the man you were hired to kill is still alive and breathing. That is not what I need right now.”
“Well, there is always next time. The other assassin and I agreed to wait one night before another attempt.”
“Honestly, I don't care who kills that man or exactly when, as long as it's soon. There are other things I need to attend to. If someone else wants to use their money and resources to off this guy, that's fine with me. If he isn't dead within a week then I'll send you again. Yes, that will work. Alright, you're dismissed.”
“My payment is due.”
“Oh no. I made a down payment when I hired you with the balance due upon successful completion of the job. You failed so no more money. If I need you to try again then I'll pay you,” Shindong replied.
The master was not pleased but could say nothing in return. “You know how to contact me if you need me.” At the other man's nod, he quickly turned on his heel and briskly walked away.
Shindong watched the assassin walk away and sighed. This unforeseen wrinkle wouldn't completely ruin his plans but did alter the timing of certain events. He hoped that it would not conflict with whatever Kyuhyun planned. The lord was actually surprised that the huge shocking event hadn't happened yet. All he could do was wait and see to his own matters in the meantime. There was still plenty of things that needed his attention. Sighing once again, he left the room for his next meeting.
Zhou Mi whistled happily to himself as he strolled through the grounds surrounding Earl Kyuhyun's castle. That little page boy Henry hadn't lied when he said there were many beautiful, and single, ladies in the area. Over the past few weeks the scholar had made the acquaintance of quite a few of them. He was surprised by how accepting they had been of a foreigner and one of modest means at that. As a scholar Zhou Mi had not been rich; however, he had made some smart investments and had amassed a comfortable nest egg which he was able to bring with him into exile - or so everyone thought. Zhou Mi brought to mind all the pleasant women he had recently met and one of them came to the forefront. Lady Victoria wasn't a real lady but rather a lady's maid. Her family wasn't well to do or poor. They were at the top of the working class meaning they did not live hand to mouth and had their choice of coveted positions and apprenticeships. However, without marrying into a noble household, an extremely unlikely event, her family would never be able to cross the huge chasm separating them from the upper class.
It was Victoria's long black hair and green eyes that had caught his attention at first. As the days progressed and Zhou Mi learned more about her he felt more and more drawn to the lady. Unlike many of the other eligible ladies, she was not very outgoing. The scholar realized Victoria was a bit of a loner, however, once he got close to her he found her to be charming, loyal, determined and a bit stubborn - all traits he found endearing. Wherever they would go Victoria would inevitably find some animal to cuddle and love; the woman had an affinity for animals that Zhou Mi had never seen before. All in all, Zhou Mi found Victoria to be a beautiful person inside and out. As he smiled brightly thinking about his last conversation with the lady the silence was broken by a voice.
“It's good to see you in such high spirits, Scholar Zhou Mi. It looks as if the transition has been a smooth and happy one for you.”
Startled out of his reverie, Zhou Mi turned to see the owner of the voice and it was none other than Henry. Think of the devil and the devil appears.
“Henry, my boy. Yes, I'm settling in well. How are you doing? If I may be honest, you look a bit tired.”
“I am a little tired,” he admitted with a sigh. “Being a page, I am at the beck and call of the earl. Lately he's kept me busy running to and fro.”
“Poor boy, you deserve some rest. Sometimes we adults forget teenagers can't work as hard and long as we can.”
“Oh, please don't misunderstand me. I'm not complaining or blaming Earl Kyuhyun at all. He has a lot of things to take care of recently and it pleases me to be able to help him in any way I can. So while I may be tired, it's a good tired. The earl has given me so much I'll never be able to repay him. My loyal service is all I can give,” Henry said, his eyes begging the older man not to think ill of his liege.
“The earl is a fortunate man indeed, having you serve him. If only all subjects were as loyal as you, no one would have to worry about uprisings or civil unrest.”
Henry blushed but said nothing. “I'm sorry, sir, but I must run. Earl Kyuhyun has sent me on an errand and it's almost time for me to leave. Please take care of yourself.”
“And the same to you, my young friend. Find time to rest when you can. I look forward to seeing you again,” the elder responded.
The page bowed and then ran off. Zhou Mi smiled at him once more before continuing on his way. His mind was full of thoughts about Kyuhyun and his ability to inspire such devotion in his page. I wonder how many other people are that loyal to the earl. How far would they go to prove that loyalty? Hmm, interesting.
Deep in the royal kitchens Piao Min wiped the sweat running down her face with her sleeve before returning to the pot she was scouring. She sighed, looking at the pile of cooking pots waiting for her attention. Being a scullery maid certainly is the worst job there is. Hopefully I can move my way up the ladder before my body is forever ruined. Come on, Piao Min, you can do it! Keep your eyes on your goal; every day is one step closer to achieving it. Don't let his faith in you go to waste. You've worked hard to get this far, don't give in now. Jia you, jia you!! Piao Min returned to her work with a renewed will, tapping into a reserve of energy she didn't even know she had.
On the far side of the room two pairs of eyes watched her. The owner of one pair nodded, approving of the maid's actions. Hidden in the shadows, unseen, the other felt his heart miss a beat. What in the world is she doing here and in such a position? This must be a mistake, it's impossible. The onlooker rubbed his eyes but the scene didn't change. It really was Piao Min hard at work scrubbing pots. For probably the first time in his life this person didn't know what to think or do, their brain simply shut down. After several minutes of incoherent mind-babbling, he shook himself and went on his way, still agitated. This is something I never expected. I need to find out why she's here, but not right now. There's more pressing issues at hand.
Piao Min continued with her work, ignorant of the attention she had attracted. Time would tell whether that interest boded well or ill for her.