When Your Wish Is Granted
Summary
Shori was in Shin Makoku. He started to behave better towards Conrad until Yuuri said that he rather had Conrad to be his brother than Shori.
A/N : this is my first fan fiction. It needed a lot of efforts for me to write it. I write blogs actually, but I've found out that writing fanfic is not the same as writing blogs. It carries more difficulties. I realize that this fic is far from perfect. I hope your feedbacks will improve my next work, guys. Please enjoy!
CHAPTER I
It was still early in the morning. The sun just rose and the weather was still chill, but Conrad noticed that there was a commotion in the corridors that led to a yard in the Blood Pledge Castle. Groups of maids squealed and giggled, then turned their heads in one particular spot. Unknown to them, Conrad already stood behind them. He let out a small chuckle knowing the reason.
Down there, Shori Shibuya was jogging circling the yard. Instead of long sleeved jacket Yuuri usually wore, Shori was wearing a sleeveless T-shirt, revealing his long neck and slim but muscled chests and arms. Sweat glistened on his exposed skin. When he wept the locks that hanging onto his eyes, the maids squealed in high pitched tones, causing the Maou's brother turn his head.
Just like a deer caught in headlights, the maids hurriedly musing about doing their duties and errands. Turning their heels, they were surprised seeing Conrad watching them in amusement. After greeted the ex-prince, they left him and Shori on their own.
Catching a glimpse of the brown haired swordsman, Shori stopped his track and walked to sit on the edge of a small fountain on the corner of the huge yard. Seconds later Conrad appeared before him.
"Good morning Shori-sama, "Conrad smiled. "Great to see you again."
Shori looked up. "Nice to see you too. I didn't see you yesterday, "he replied. "And, "he added sternly, "just drop the formality. I feel weird when somebody addresses me by that name."
"Alright Shori, "Conrad indulged. His smile widened. "I just came from border patrolling. It was almost midnight when I reached here. Gwendal told me that you've been here for two days."
"Well, the semester break has just started, "Shori nodded casually. "And I wanted to know more about Yuuri's new world. That's why I am here now."
Conrad stared at the raven haired teen. He was glad that now Shori started to consider him as a friend instead of a person who snatched the 18 year's younger brother away. No more harsh tones in Shori's voice when the latter talked to him. The cold expression that used to plaster on the bespectacled face had melted away.
Despite of Shori's once dismay on him, Conrad found that Yuuri's brother had many interesting sides beneath his cautious and cold demeanor. Conrad still remembered how poorly Shori had treated him. But after witnessing Conrad's undying loyalty to Yuuri, Shori gradually became nicer. One of the similarities of both double black siblings, Conrad noted, that they were open minded, willing to accept some things when they knew it's for the better.
"Don't just stand there, Conrad," Shori patted an empty space next to him. "Sit here."
Conrad blinked, but somehow he managed to do so.
"It seemed that our maids distracted you."
Shori glanced at him. "Yeah, I was surprised finding them standing and looking at me as if I were a new species," Shori sighed desperately. "I mean, I'm not different with you guys. Look, I have no more than two legs, a pair of eyes. I don't grow second head."
"Don't you know it, Shori," Conrad smiled warmly. "They find you attractive."
Conrad amused when he noticed two tinges of pink spread on the teen's cheeks. He didn't mean to tease the younger man after all, he just simply told the truth.
Shori was a sight. He stood out with his dark hair, slim figure and handsome visage. Not to mention he was also a genius that Gwendal liked to share his opinions with.
Shori averted his gaze to the fountain. Through the openings of thick lotus that grew in the said place, he saw heaps of coins beneath the water.
"What's that?" he asked.
Conrad followed Shori's direction. "Well, this fountain was built centuries ago. There's a belief that if you make wishes then throw a coin, the wishes will come true. Many people believed it, but as time went by, less people did."
"It's just the same belief on earth," Shori murmured. "But I think what make the wishes come true are perseverance and hard work."
Conrad nodded. A small smile framed his handsome face. "I can't more agree with you."
"Well, it's just my opinion," Shori shifted uncomfortably. "I know you Mazoku –and humans- here have your own beliefs. Anyway, did the wishing and throwing coins really work?" Shori asked curiously.
The half Mazoku and human looked thoughtful. "I can't be sure about that, but I do believe there's miracle help though."
"Could you tell me its name?" Shori pointed the fountain.
"The Fountain," Conrad answered tersely.
"Yes, "Shori lifted his eyebrows. "The fountain's name," he repeated.
The former laughed lightly. "That's the name. It's weird, but that's just true. For centuries it's called The Fountain."
Not only was the fountain weird, but many things were also weird here, Shori added inwardly. Flying bones, colored heads. And the fact that his little brother accidentally engaged with a fiery tempered fire wielder just because he slapped that brat-but-beautiful boy.
There was a loud yell reached both men's ears. It was Yuuri's voice complaining about certain person kicked him out of the bed, followed by another voice that scolded him for exaggerating things and being too wimpy.
"I think it's time to attend to Maou Heika," Conrad smiled apologetically.
Shori rose on his feet. "I have some things to do too. "
***
Gisela's eyes fell on a tall guy sitting on a desk in the library. The guy turned the pages of the book in his hands. His black hair was tousled and there was an air of seriousness on his face. It seemed that he tried to comprehend what's written there.
"What are you reading, Shori-sama?" Gisela greeted.
Shori looked up and adjusted his glasses that had slipped off to the tip of his nose, but a second later he took them off. There was a shy smile planted on his face.
"I just want to know what Mazoku here think about humans." He held out a book titled "Interview with the Humans".
To Gisela's amazement, Shori pronounced the title correctly: all books and literatures were written in Mazoku's letters. Even Maou Heika took time in learning how to read and write. Her adopted father had once told her that the Maou's brother was a perceptive person, but she had never thought that he would be this smart.
"Gisela," there's a hint of concern in Shori's voice.
Gisela blinked, snapped from the reverie she had been.
She shook her heads. "I hope you have a great time here, Shori-sama," she said cheerfully.
"I'm sure I will," Shori replied sincerely. "You folks treat me very nicely."
"It's our honor, my lord," the green haired healer stated. "Maou Heika has brought peace to our kingdom. And Maou's brother is more than welcomed, especially by our maids."
Shori blushed furiously remembering the morning event. Gisela couldn't help at the thought that it made him look cute.
"Do you like reading?" Gisela asked.
A flash of queer lights shone through Shori's eyes. They were blazing, his face beamed. Gisela thought that she had touched a good point. She was taken aback by the suddent radiance emitted by the onyx eyed teen.
"I really do, Gisela," enthusiasm filled Shori's voice. "Basically I read everything that interests me. I don't mind the genres as long as I like them."
The healer smiled. She had talked to the teen in front of him several times before, but not in this comfortable circumstance. She has assumed that he was not a kind of person who got along with others easily. But that perhaps because she didn't know him in person, Gisela wondered.
"I should leave," Shori put the book down on a shelf. He put on his glasses. "I'd like to see Gwendal and watch my brother study with him. Maybe I could help."
"See you later, Shori-sama," Gisela replied.
"I'm looking forward to it, "he smiled before spinning around.
***
Shori found Conrad leaning against the wall behind Gwendal's desk when he just entered the grey haired commander's office. The brown eyed soldier bowed and smiled at him. He nodded in reply, only a moment later being distracted by Yuuri's frustrated voice.
"Why can't we just examine them later, Gwendal?" Yuuri groaned in distress, his hand gestured towards stacks of papers before him.
"For sixty seven times I remind you, Your Majesty," Gwendal growled, his voice was equal to Yuuri's state, "as a king you MUST learn these papers."
"But, "Yuuri pulled his hair desperately, "it's been a long time since my last adventure. People need break sometime."
Gwendal sent the young king a deathly glare, indigo eyes narrowed dangerously. The boy shuddered. For a moment, Yuuri thought there was fire blazing in each of the tall man's eye, but this time they were scarier than Wolfram's.
"Oh, no . . ." he wailed faintly. He always knew his accidental fiancé's brother was grim and scary. However, having Gwendal's direct anger was beyond his wildest imagination.
"Your Majesty, "Gwendal calmly retorted, though there were flames dancing in his eyes, "you'll get your break after you fulfill every responsibility you hold."
"Gwendal's right, Your Majesty," Conrad smiled in agreement. His brother looked at him gratefully.
"You are a king, indeed, "Gwendal reiterated. "Your Majesty, I'm more than willing to be at your service, "the flames were not as blazing as they had been, "but it needs both parties to work things out perfectly."
"Gwendal has given his help, Yuuri," Shori said wistfully. "I think that you should be more serious with your job as a ruler of a country."
"Don't repeat Gwendal's statement about me being a king," Yuuri warned his brother hoarsely. "I already knew that." The young king sighed heavily, but quickly held his breath when he noticed Gwendal's look. "I'm a prince back home."
"Yes, you are, Yuu-chan," Shori mentioned Yuuri's given name at home lovingly, which earned him a scowl from his younger brother. "You always are. But one day even the prince will be a king, of his country, and of his life. He can't always be pampered and sugarcoated forever."
Conrad and Gwendal stared at the successor of the Maou of Earth, unable to say anything. They both knew Shori could be bold sometimes, but they had never thought that it could also occur about his brother, considering his brother complex syndrome.
"Shori.."Yuuri groaned, surprised that his older brother would speak that bluntly.
"You should learn to depend on yourself," Shori continued stubbornly. "Don't just leave everything to your subjects and advisers. They can't always be by your side anytime you wish."
Conrad averted his ayes to Gwendal's stunned expression. He was aware that his brother and Shori shared some traits: both were always serious in everything they did, not to mention their intelligences were above average. They were simply brilliant and serious, yet deep inside also affectionate towards their beloved. Conrad was sure started from this moment, his brother would see the Maou's brother in a new light: a better one and stronger than before.
"Shori," Conrad intervened, "I think His Majesty is just tired. We, "he stole a glance to Gwendal, tried to draw his actually half brother's approval," really understand that His Majesty is overwhelmed by the sudden change he's undergone since he came to Shin Makoku."
Yuuri sent his godfather a grateful smile. "Thanks Conrad."
"And it is our duty to support his reign. We'll try our best to be there whenever and wherever he needs," Conrad's honey brown eyes bore through Shori's.
"You spoil him too much," Shori's onyx eyes sharpened. "In the meantime, your laxity will do him no good, "Shori hissed.
"It's not like that, Shori," Yuuri waved his hands in protest. "Gee, you're exaggerating it."
Shori turned his head sharply. "Yuuri, I speak the truth. You're my dear brother," he stated firmly, his voice steady," but it doesn't mean that I can't be very determined about your conduct."
Yuuri was about to protest again when Conrad stepped in. "His Majesty is the greatest king Shin Makoku has ever had," his eyes full of determination. "Having a break sometimes is definitely his privilege."
"Fyuuhh. ."Yuuri sank backwards in his chair. "I agree with you Conrad. If only you were my brother. Ups. ."Yuuri watched Shori in horror.
Shori froze. He realized, in acknowledgement that Yuuri was close with Conrad, but it hurt him very much to hear his brother's statement. "I'm sorry that I'm your brother, instead of your spoiling godfather," he remarked coldly before turning around and leaving the room.
Even Gwendal could tell the wound in the raven haired's heart. He felt sorry for Shori. He was pretty sure that Shori was devastated. Having been told by your own brother that he preferred another person to be his brother was a heavy blow, especially for those who were brother complex, Gwendal thought.
"I've crossed the line, haven't I?" Yuuri slumped lower.
"I'm afraid you have, Your Majesty."
***
Shori knew bolting out of the room couldn't be called polite, even for his age. But he didn't care. Just when he saw Conrad with a better perspective, it was easily ruined in a moment. He began to see the older man in disdain again.
"Shori!"
He heard footsteps followed him behind. Ignoring the shouting, he paced faster, only stopped before The Fountain when someone grabbed his shoulder.
"What?" he snapped.
Conrad gulped. He felt guilty when he stared at two dark pools of obsidian eyes belonged to Shori. Those pools reflected both anger and hurt.
"I'm sorry," was all he could say.
"Sorry for what?" Shori couldn't help but barked at the older man who looked the same age as him in appearance. "Don't apologize if you can't even tell where your faults lie," he finally say when Conrad couldn't answer him.
"You hate me," Conrad uttered slowly, his voice barely heard. A pang of misery pinned a hollow in his heart at the sight of Shori avoiding his eyes. Unconsciously his grip at the latter's shoulder tightened.
"How can I not when my dear brother wants you in my place," Shori's tone was even. He finally faced Conrad.
"That's a rhetorical question, I should've known before." But Conrad felt miserable. He always knew Yuuri's brother's dismay towards him, but to have it declared out loud was another story.
"Yes, if only you were his brother," Shori said coldly, tried to get away from Conrad's tight grip and whirl around. His efforts made him slip backwards instead. Conrad, whose hand was still attached to Shori's shoulder, fell forwards to the fountain, following the younger man.
When the splash of water fainted away, Shori opened his eyes. His head felt heavy, as if somebody had just knocked him hard. Cursing slowly, he rubbed the back of his head. He drifted his eyes when the person in front of him coughed. Shori stunned, his body rooted to the fountain. He didn't care that he was wet from head to toe, nor did he give a damn that the sputtered water poured down on his shoulders. The person in front of him stared at him with the same shocked expression.
Shori intended to take off his glasses but it seemed that it's lost. Then he rubbed his eyes, making sure that his sight perhaps deceived him. But nothing changed.
"Well," he heard the man speak, his voice felt strange yet familiar in his ears. "Your wish is granted."