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 Broken 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: Hints at the end of the chapter of injuries, but very subtle. 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!
Fated Chain
Prologue
Yuuri's obsidian eyes slowly unfocused as Gunter's lesson dragged by. He didn't mean to stop listening so often, but sadly, there was only so much he could focus on before he spaced out. He already had school on Earth, so the lessons in Shin Makoku only added more workload to his poor brain.
He really meant to study and learn about his people, his kingdom. He meant to be a good king. What he meant and what he managed weren't always agreeing, though.
It didn't help that peace had settled enough that both Gunter and Gwendal reinforced lessons. Oh, of course, Yuuri felt immensely happy for the peace they fought to gain. He just wished he would have more free time to enjoy visiting his allies and his kingdom.
He had a partner in crime, however. Black eyes drifted to the side, a faint smile forming at the sight of his Nazukeoya raising his eyebrows with mild amusement. He gave a pleading look, and Conrad quieted a chuckle with his hand before coughing to attract Gunter's attention.
"Heika is… needed, Gunter."
Almost immediately, a hand rose to rest on Gunter's forehead, moaning out as if distressed. "No! Why must my time with Heika always be cut short?" Wide eyes turned to Yuuri, who could not prevent for his life the panicked-or almost horrified-look. "Heika! Do you love me not? Oh, Heika!"
Think fast, Shibuya. Yuuri stood up, walking like a crab one slow step at a time toward Conrad. "O-O-Of course I do, Gunter. But you must know I give my love to everyone, surely?"
Yuuri suddenly worried that the melodramatic wails had been better than the sudden teary pleasure. "Oh, Heika! Such a generous and loving king!"
Gunter marched toward Yuuri for one of his famous hug. The teen bolted, grabbed Conrad's hand, and rushed out with a hurried, "Thanks-for-understanding-now-I-go!"
The lavender haired man had to stop running for the hug, as he almost collided with the door. He sniffed once, before sighing more calls of "Heika..!"
If his lips twitched into an amused smiled, no one bore witness to it.
"Seriously… Why do I need so many lessons, when I could go out?"
"Do not worry, Heika. The peace you brought is going to last. Maybe you will have more free time once you learn more, Heika." There was definitely amusement in the brown haired man's tone.
"It's Yuuri, Nazukeoya." Yuuri replied with cheeks coloring at the indirect praise.
It was true though, in Conrad's mind-and those of everyone. 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-much to the boy dismay. 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 becoming engaged 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 wandered into Blood Pledge Castle with Yuuri.
A familiar blond walked out of one corridor, eyes narrowing as he took into Yuuri. "Shouldn't you be studying, Henachoko?"
Yuuri stopped, embarrassed. "Come on, Wolfram. I just can't stay for so long having lesson when it's such a good day!"
Wolfram glowered, emerald orbs sharply directing the anger on Conrad. "And you helped him again, didn't you?"
While Conrad showed only a guilty smile and shrug of shoulder, annoyance flared in Yuuri's eyes. "Wolfram. Really, it's better if I stopped anyway, I wouldn't have been able to focus. I would have learned nothing more."
The Fire Mazoku gazed back at his Maoh, but the anger drained slowly. He appeared more sheepish now, while Yuuri dropped the annoyance to awkwardness. Conrad's heart squeezed slightly at the sight, knowing very well what had been going on.
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.
It did change, but not all in a positive light, at the beginning. Yuuri had accepted that boys or girls together were not taboo here, just like he stopped forcing himself to be blind toward Wolfram's feelings. However, the Sokoku still had no idea if he felt anything more than friendship for the blond. How would he ever talk to this with Wolfram, the Maoh hadn't known for a long while.
Yuuri always had a very good idea of what he wanted. But he had known Wolfram would be hurt, even if it meant nothing negative in the long run. Yuuri knew that he should have asked for the break of their engagement sooner, before in grew complicated.
Oh, make no mistake. Yuuri did not mean he wanted to reject Wolfram. He felt trapped by the engagement in truth, and meant to stop having the label of Fiancé on them. He just feared the conversation, up until Wolfram himself brought it up.
He had noticed Yuuri acting weird, almost distant. And after steeling himself, he had asked Yuuri to tell honestly if he meant to break off their engagement. Yuuri had almost balked away when the first tears formed, but he had realized more than ever he needed to be honest.
The fact Yuuri meant to drop the engagement so he could freely spend time with Wolfram without worry had brought back hope to the blond, though. The teen had explained as best as he could that he was not sure how what he felt or how it would develop, and that he would feel more at ease without the title of Fiancé. Wolfram had understood, even if it had hurt.
The break off had shaken most citizens, few having known the whole truth behind it. However, people also noticed soon enough that the two appeared to grow closer, and those people talked. Gwendal's frowns might have also helped quieting the bad rumors, too.
Wolfram and Yuuri still had little moments of awkward or angry collision-just like now-but in the end it meant nothing. They were just adjusting, and Conrad knew in a good way. The friendship that they always had, hidden behind the title of Fiancé, blossomed into a strong and close one; while something sparked slowly but surely in Yuuri.
Conrad would know. He always stayed around at least one of them. And considering it was Yuuri, the one who he stayed watchful of… Yes, he knew. It might take some time, but Yuuri would realize one day that friendship turned into love.
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. 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.
Displeasure crossed Wolfram's face, hidden from Greta's view. The young girl gazed up at Yuuri with sad eyes, but then she smiled. "You'll say hello for me?"
Yuuri smiled back, hugging her close. "Of course. And you'll see, I'll be back soon."
"Do you really have to go?" Unlike previous time Wolfram uttered those words, it sounded just as sad as Greta.
"Yeah… Murata and I have some exams. It's better if we go back to Earth for a bit." He paused, before adding almost shyly. "Once we're back though, we'll be able to stay for a long while. I'll catch up then on missed time."
Greta jumped happily for another hug, while Wolfram nodded in acceptance. Yuuri seemed more and more at ease around him, more honest too; and the blond cherished this. It still produced pain to know he had not the title of Yuuri's Fiancé anymore, but if he was honest…
Being Yuuri's friend was not bad too. And his Maoh had not looked for anyone else, instead choosing to spend time with Wolfram when he could-much more often that before. He still was considered Greta's second father.
All he could hope would be that whatever came from all this, be it Yuuri's deep friendship or love; he would feel happy at it.
"Aww… Do you really need to go home?"
Murata chuckled at Yuuri's pout. "Yes, Shibuya. I know you're dreading Mama-chan being all over you, but you know-You'll survive, I'm sure."
That grin scared Yuuri. He knew that grin. Murata was so doing this out of pure enjoyment at Yuuri's distress, wasn't he?
"Fine! But be warned, I'll kidnap you tomorrow!"
Murata just waved his hand, leaving in the direction of his own house. Yuuri kept his pout for a while, but eventually it dropped to a pensive face. In truth, Shori had gone to Switzerland for some of Bob's training. And this meant his mother had decided to give Yuuri double the love.
Yuuri winced as he walked, shaking his head. He grew used to this, even if he still bolted away each time he could. He wouldn't say he disliked it, as he loved his mother, but maybe… He wasn't really the type to bask in so much love.
His phone rang, startling Yuuri. After a small jump, he slowed down as he picked it from his pants pocket. A frown formed as he spotted Shori's number. An annoyed mumbled passed his lips. Seemed like it was time for the daily big-brother-taking-news time.
"Hello Shori, I'm doing fine, I'm on my way-"
"Yuuri." The boy froze at how breathless and pained Shori sounded. "You have to…" A curse, then a cough. The sound provoked a deep shiver in Yuuri. "Hurry home. Maybe-Save mom and dad."
Something in Yuuri had snapped as soon as Shori uttered the first word. He ran through the streets, hearing his brother but refusing to register all the implications his words gave. He refused to focus on how ragged his brother's breath was, refused to acknowledged the occasional pained groan.
Not yet. His house was within sight. His parents would be fine, and he would take them to Shin Makoku. He would leave right after for Bob's place, with Conrad and Wolfram. He would be very grateful time flew slowly on Earth when he was in Shin Makoku.
No matter what happened to Shori, he would find him and bring him to Gisela.
It would be all fine.
Yuuri slammed the front door open; and never in his life had he been more wrong.
To be continued…