Hello dears!
I'm so happy to finally post this! It marks the start of a big Series I call Break the Chain of Fate (BCF for short). This Author Note contains important information, so please read!
You will notice I also posed a story called Fated Chain. Both Broken Chain and Fated Chain are considered the main stories of BCF; and they are tied together. Three reading path are open to you, depending on what you might want as a reader: read first Broken Chain then Fated Chain (this was the one I first though of as posting order, and is more focused on mystery); read first Fated Chain then Broken Chain (this one would be called sort of... logical, with more focus on adventures); and finally read the two stories together as they update. How the two are tied will become obvious later in the plot.
Note that the Prologue of both stories are similar, even having the same sentences. This is very purposeful, as the starting situation is similar between both stories, with only changes in settings and some background informations. Some later chapters might also show small to mid similarity, though not necessarily chapters posseding the same number. It'll stay purposeful if it happens.
You can take guesses at how and why the stories are linked, just like you can take guesses about the various mysteries and hints that will appear. I might tell you if you're on the right path, and it'll be fun!
I hope you enjoy this Prologue~ And I hope we'll stay together for a great ride with BCF!
Final Note: I roleplay Yuuri (following Broken Chain main plot) on morethanmaoh dot tumblr dot com. Yuuri there is a bit more advanced in plot, but not enough to give big spoilers.
Pairing: Yuuri/Wolfram as main. You will find hints of Conrad/Yuuri though, as well as subtle hints of other ships (mostly Shinou/Yuuri, and Murata/Yuuri). For the most part, hints of other ships are mostly one sided (Yuuri can show hints of romantic feelings, but even if he's aware of it-which for the most part he's not-he wouldn't act on it).
Note: There will be Extra Stories which will feature some What Ifs and AUs with other ship!
Warnings: None for this chapter. For the whole of the story, there will both mentions and (light) description of Violence, Character Death, Blood. Considering I'm careful not to break the rating rules here, I might often edit scenes bordering too much between M and MA, so if you want the 'real' story, I advise either following on AO3 too, or going to read there chapters I mention having been edited. I don't think I'll be very descriptive, but I prefer being safe~
Final note: I consider both stories to have a good ending! So if worry about things, especially the Character Death part... Just know it does end well!
Broken Chain
Prologue
Yuuri perked up as a ring erupted from the front door. He slipped out of his room, pretending he didn't notice his brother passing his head out of his bedroom door with narrowed eyes.
He couldn't ignore the call of, "Don't leave without me, Yuu-chan!"
Yuuri only waved his hand as he vanished down the stairs. A second later, he could hear rapid footsteps. Meanwhile, his mother gushed over Murata. Both Sokokus exchanged a look as the Maoh approached his friend and his mother.
"I'll take care of Shibuya, Mama-chan. Don't worry." Murata flashed a smile, already stepping toward Yuuri.
The other teen grabbed Murata's hand, giving his mother a quick, "Yes, yes, I'll be careful and I'll say hello to everyone for you!" His speech accelerated as he started dragging Murata and what sounded like a bull barreled down the stairs. "Now-I'm-going-bye!"
And there went Yuuri and Murata, rushing toward the small pool outside. "YUU-CHAN!" echoed behind them as Shori landed on the floor and slipped trying to chase them. "YOU BETTER WAI-!"
SPLASH
'Jenifer' Miko Shibuya only muffled a chuckle with her hand at the sight of her eldest son disgruntled pout.
The twitching on his eyes told her Yuuri would receive a good earful when he would be back.
A long sigh escaped Yuuri as he sat in the Temple's fountain. An amused sound came from behind, and he turned with a small glare.
"Shibuya, you do know your big brother is going to give you a scolding when we return, right?"
He sounded far too amused for Yuuri's liking. The young Maoh scowled.
"Welcome, Heika, Geika." A warm voice greeted.
"Yuuri, Nazukeoya." Came the automatic reply, accompanied with a bright smile.
Both boys stepped out of the pond, the brown haired soldier handling them towels as he inquired about their health. If Conrad felt the same amusement as Murata, it only showed with a slight glint in his eyes.
"I'm going to see if the big baby isn't bothering Ulrike." Murata told Yuuri, rolling his eyes. A snort left Yuuri, who knew it wasn't an 'if' at all. Murata gave Yuuri a look before leaving, waving hello at the ladies.
Black eyes followed for a second before returning on Conrad. "So, how are things here?"
"Peaceful, thanks to you." Conrad only smiled as Yuuri blushed slightly.
It was true though. With Soushou defeated, most countries allied to Shin Makoku, and Dai Shimaron still too wary to attempt anything; the kingdom benefited of tranquil times. It had been far too long since the worst to worry were the bandits. But all felt immensely grateful to Yuuri. It was no secret that the Mazoku loved their king, just like his allies valued his friendship.
There was worry about what Dai Shimaron would decide to do of course. However, even they knew Yuuri's alliances made impossible to lightly be hostile. Yuuri himself did not think of it this way, only ever wishing he could finally make peace with them. But everyone else knew they shouldn't have to worry for a long time.
Gwendal still watched tightly Dai Shimaron, Yozak often here and there to gather how people everywhere saw the Maoh. It was their way of taking care of Yuuri. Just like Gunter continued his attempts to educate the black haired boy. Just like both Conrad and Wolfram strayed close to him, advised and helped him; or left on patrols.
Even the Ten Noble Families had mellowed toward Yuuri. Stoffel didn't change, although there were too many people ready to block his attempts at 'controlling' Yuuri. Waltrana still appeared cold to Yuuri, yet his actions betrayed more than once he had accepted Yuuri as the Maoh. Amusingly enough, Conrad felt certain Waltrana 'resented' Yuuri for his engagement to Wolfram. He raised his nephew after all, and it wouldn't be surprising if he saw him like a son.
One major changed had been that Shinou's presence wasn't hidden anymore. There had been a period where a lot of people had come to see the legendary king, and it had been amusing to notice Shinou both basked in the attention and seemed to shy away a bit. To the most expert eyes, they knew then Shinou was more than an extravagant king.
There had been murmurs of what it meant for Yuuri's reign, but Shinou himself had been very clear: He approved fully of Yuuri, and had no wish to take the throne. He would continue advising and helping, but the serious tone of voice when he had declared he considered Yuuri above his own words did the trick.
No one questioned anymore, while Yuuri stayed pleased and red faced for hours. Conrad still believed Shinou had been purposeful in making this flush appear, too. The half human admitted that anyone would want the sight of a blushing Yuuri.
Because who could resist a Maoh that ended up being undeniably adorable and cute?
Certainly none of us, Conrad mused as he left to Blood Pledge Castle with Yuuri.
Yuuri felt barely any surprise as he spotted the blond waiting for them at the castle's steps. A pout seemed to have been present for a while, if the amusement that flashed through Conrad indicated anything. It morphed into a faint smile and brightening eyes when Wolfram's eyes locked on Yuuri. He looked ready to let out a scolding, but one little presence rendered him silent.
"Yuuri!" Greta rushed at her adopted father as soon as he dismounted.
The teen caught her into his arms, hugging her happily. "Greta! I'm sorry I stayed a bit longer on Earth. But now I'll stay in Shin Makoku for a while!"
Wolfram approached with slow steps and a faint blush. He had caught the small look he had been given by Yuuri, hinting the apology had been for the Fire Mazoku too.
"You better be, Henachoko! We missed you, you know."
Yuuri scratched behind his neck with embarrassment while Greta kept hugging his waist as agreement. "Haha… Well, I missed you too." Then he added quickly, "All of you."
Conrad had to bite his lips so as to not chuckle. Hardly anyone missed how the two's relationship changed slowly. The middle brother had always worried, knowing Yuuri had proposed by accident and seeing his youngest brother slowly fall for Yuuri. He had wanted them to be happy, but he had not been blind. Wolfram suffered yet stayed loyal, if only extremely jealous. He knew it had been because Yuuri didn't take the engagement seriously, but what could he do? He watched Yuuri deny for so long he could be attracted to boys, never knowing if it would change one day or not.
So when it had changed, he had breathed in relief. He wanted Yuuri happy just like he wanted Wolfram happy. If it had became clear Yuuri wouldn't feel anything more than friendship, he would have acted to stop as much pain as possible on both side.
However, he noticed the moment Yuuri started thinking of his engagement (once peace arrived for good) and when Yuuri realized he might already feel something (when his eyes would secretly trail to the blond, contemplating and an emotion there only others than Yuuri himself and Wolfram could notice). And Conrad had been happy.
He cared for Yuuri, and all he ever wanted was to keep him safe and happy. No matter what, he would make sure of that. The fact Yuuri chose his baby brother comforted him, in a sense. He knew better than most Wolfram, and he knew they would be good for each other.
It had been Yuuri that brought back Wolfram toward him. It had been Wolfram that protected and loved Yuuri as much as Conrad. For all this-and so much more-Conrad would always protect the both of them with all he had.
Yuuri's eyes trailed to Wolfram as the blond changed into his pink nightwear without shame. A blush rose on his cheeks, turning his gaze away as he finished putting his own top on. He would not be surprised if the other purposefully got into his nightwear when Yuuri could look. The teen had realized at one point that some of Wolfram's actions were… seducing, for lack of better word.
For the most part, Yuuri knew it had been because Wolfram did all he could so Yuuri would stop denying their engagement. Except, now Yuuri had showed a change in his actions, and he felt certain the blond had read well enough in which direction. Surprisingly enough, Wolfram seemed patient enough to let Yuuri speak to him when he wished to.
Although… If Wolfram had guessed the mounting attraction in Yuuri, he also guessed he might not need to push Yuuri further. And if the Sokoku was not wrong, he caught the blond blushing at the attention Yuuri would give sometimes.
Like now, as both slipped into bed. Greta had long decided that she liked having her own room, though it was facing their own. She would slip into their room and bed every once in a while, but now that her young mind had really taken in the fact she had a family, she felt less need to seek them out during the night.
She knew she would not lose them so easily, after all.
"Why are you smiling, Yuuri?"
The Maoh blinked and turned his head, realizing that while he laid on his back, Wolfram rested on his side while looking at Yuuri with soft emerald eyes.
"I was thinking of Greta." He replied simply, the smile still present.
Wolfram mirrored it. Not more words were needed, as both loved Greta the same. Without even counting any notion like being Fiancé, both had adopted her as their daughters.
"Goodnight, Yuuri." Wolfram spoke once more, closing his eyes.
"Goodnight, Wolf." Yuuri closed his own eyes, feeling his body relax as sleep quickly claimed him.
He missed how Wolfram opened his eyes, happiness in his eyes at the simple fact Yuuri used more and more the nickname. He wished to snuggle closer, feel Yuuri's heat closer or even leave a small kiss to his cheek.
His heart beat too loudly at the idea; and Wolfram decided sleeping this close without Yuuri freaking out felt good enough.
Frame turned to the side, back to the other occupant of the bed. It did not wake said occupant; but maybe, it would have been better if it did.
Fists clenched into the sheet all of the sudden, his face pressing more into his pillow. A single shudder ran down his body before he stilled again. His eyes screwed shut tighter, a lone tear rolling down his cheek.
Knuckles turned white from the grip, body trembling. Yet, it never woke the other. Then he released his grip, body going lax.
He moved slightly, readjusting his position. A hand closed again, as if the pillow had turned into a lifeline. It was not finished. His other hand came to rest close of his face, almost like a shield.
Black eyes snapped open. His mouth fell open in a silent scream.
No sound could escape his throat. Yuuri stayed frozen for seconds, listening to his frantic heart, eyes wide.
Wondering about the fading memory of his dream.
No, his nightmare. That was all he could recall.
He just had a nightmare. And even if he could not remember of what, many emotions he was not used to feel choked him.
Yuuri buried his face into his pillow, and ignored completely how wetness formed like twin rivers. He would fall back asleep, would have a good night sleep.
Or so he hoped.
To be continued…