Um, I don't own Kyo Kara Maoh?

asdf-thoughts/past

Yuri sat in his study, staring at the large stacks of paper heaped over the mahogany wood. Wolfram sat at the table, holding Nicola's daughter, Allie, in his lap while helping Greta read one of Anissina's stories.

Yuri sighed. He had been here officially for three months. He had made his decision on his sixteenth birthday, as per tradition, to stay in Shin Makoku. He was pretty excited when he transformed permanently. His hair was tied back in a high ponytail; letting only a few stray hairs obstruct his view. Three days straight he had been sitting here, trying to finish all this paperwork.

"I can't take it anymore!" he exclaimed, throwing his quill to the floor and jumping up from his chair. "Day in and day out all I have is paperwork!" He stood and began to march away.

Wolfram quickly handed Allie to Greta and grabbed Yuri's arm.

"Yuri, you can't just walk out on all your paperwork! You're the Demon King, what will your subjects think if their king shirks on his duties just because he's a wimp?"

Yuri turned his steely eyes towards his 'fiancé,' and glared. "Wolfram, if I keep doing that paperwork I'm going to go insane. What good will I be to my subjects if my brain melts and starts to drip out of my ear?"

"Yuri, that was a completely ridiculous, and disgusting, scenario. It's your responsibility to finish that paperwork! Gwendal never had any trouble completing his duties. If he can do it, so can you."

Yuri, ignoring the sting he felt at those words, turned to walk away. He exited the room, leaving a shouting Wolfram in the study with the two kids. He walked down the hall, taking the path leading to the central garden. A few soldiers passed by, all saluting him. He nodded in recognition, determined not to have his quest hindered.

Ah, at last! The gardens should give me peace, at least for a little while. He walked towards the fountain, and noticed someone sitting on the edge and reading. He smiled when he realized who it was.

"Conrad!" He hurried over to his godfather, glad he would finally get to talk to the man who had been absent more and more.

Conrad turned in his direction, smiling when he saw Yuri. The king stood in front of him, breathing heavier for the running. He nodded towards him. "Your Majesty."

Yuri looked at Conrad, an irritated expression on his face. "Conrad, how many times have I told you: you're my godfather, don't call me 'majesty.'"

Conrad shook his head, a chuckle escaping him. "I'm sorry, Yuri. I guess I just keep forgetting."

Yuri stood up, collected once again. "So Conrad, where have you been the last couple months?"

Conrad smiled as his eyes became distant. "Oh, around."

Yuri raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk dragged across his face. "Oh? Around, you say. Around with…a girl?"

Conrad's eyes widened slightly before she chuckled, shaking his head. "I guess you could say that. However, that's of no importance. I haven't spoken to you much since your birthday; how are you faring with your new duties?"

Yuri sighed. "To be honest, Conrad, I really need a break. Can you make Günter leave me alone for a few days?"

Conrad laughed, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Yuri, but you chose to live this way of life. However, I can get you out of it for today at least. Follow me."

Conrad stood up and began to walk away, leaving Yuri behind. He blinked before rushing to catch up with Conrad's long strides; long legs or not the man still towered over him. He followed Conrad towards the stables, inquiring the whole way where they were going.

They saddled their horses and began to ride. Yuri suddenly noticed Conrad's intentions. His suspicions were confirmed as the baseball field came into view.

The two men dismounted and tied their horses to the post outside the field's boundary. Yuri raced to the equipment box and pulled out two gloves and a ball. He turned to Conrad, grinning.

---

The sun was setting when they finally decided they had been playing long enough. Walking to the grass, Yuri laid out, letting the quiet peace descend on him. He heard Conrad lie next to him and opened his eyes. The last few days caught up to him again. No matter how hard he tried, there was just too much to do. How was he expected to do it all alone? Wolfram's taunts surfaced in his mind, throwing his confidence in himself out the window. "Gwendal never had any trouble completing his duties. If he can do it, so can you."

"Conrad?"

"Hm?"

"How did Gwendal handle everything by himself? I mean, he essentially ran the kingdom before I chose to stay."

"You've met him. He just does structure well."

"Yeah, but doesn't he ever have fun?"

"Not really. You see, when he was younger…"

"Gwendal! Come back!"

A black haired boy ran down the hall, his hair stinging as it whipped his face. Sweat was beginning to run down his face. The shorter pink-haired girl had been chasing him for nearly fifteen minutes now. He spotted a crack in the wall and ducked in. He held his breath until a pink and red blur went by. He released a relieved sigh and slid from his sanctuary.

He ran down the hall, opposite direction of the pink blur of course. He skidded around a corner, only to be knocked down by a solid object in his path. He groaned, raising a hand to rub his head where he had hit it. He looked up and his eyes widened. He quickly stumbled up, standing straight before the man in front of him.

"Gwendal, why are you not with your tutor?"

"Father…I…"

"You were to be studying until mid-afternoon, it is barely midday."

"I know, Father. I was just…Anissina-"

"Do not blame others for your failings, Gwendal. Anissina von Karbelnikoff is not responsible for your actions. Return to your tutor."

"Yes, Father." Gwendal bowed his head, waiting until his father had walked away to raise himself up. He turned to watch him walk away, lowering his eyes once he rounded the corner. Many told him he was his father's mirror image. Like him in every aspect save age.

"Master Gwendal!"

Gwendal turned to his tutor, eying him before walking to the small room he was to be locked away in with his books.

You are responsible for your own actions.

---

Gwendal groaned as a weight repeatedly jumped on the bed. He pulled the blankets over his head, holding them tightly around him.

"Gwendal! It's time to get up!"

He threw the blankets off him, sitting up and rubbing his eyes to clear his bleary vision.

"Anissina, it's not sunup yet. Go back to bed."

His pink-haired friend stopped bouncing momentarily to look at him, utterly stunned by his reaction. She then resumed her excited moving.

"But Gwendal, today is my birthday! You promised to watch the sunrise with me!"

Gwendal groaned, placing his head in his hands. He had promised. Anissina had been interrupting his studies one day, so he promised to do something special for her on her birthday if she would leave.

"'Nis, I really need to sleep."

The small girl stopped her movements, her eyes widening as they filled with tears. She began to pout and Gwendal knew he had lost.

Sighing, he slid out of his bed, pulling on his boots before holding out his hand. "Come on, Anissina. Let's go find a good spot."

The younger girl perked up instantly. Bounding off the bed, and snatching his hand. She dragged him out the door, rambling on about the balcony in the high tower. Gwendal just shook his head, smiling as he was pulled along.

Sacrificing yourself for others is the best way to happiness.

---

Gwendal, twelve now, stood in the hall with his mother, father, and the boy he had been so excited to call brother. Only, his brother was not by his mother, nor by his father. Instead, he stood beside a tall brown-haired man. The boy looked nothing like his mother, but he did look like the man he was next to.

His father strode out of the hall, calling him to follow. He glanced at his mother, seeking her approval. She nodded, and he turned and followed.

As they moved from the hall his father began to speak of trust.

"Women, they're the only things in the demon world even close to being as low as humans. And humans! They will sooner stab you in the back than stand by your side. Remember, Gwendal, to never trust."

Gwendal was shocked. Had his father meant that? Surely one is allowed to trust a brother…a father, but instead of asking he just nodded.

"Yes, Father."

Trust no one.

---

Gwendal was sitting in his room practicing his secret hobby. One day, Anissina had managed to distract his tutor one day and teach him to knit. He looked down at the puppy he had been working on for nearly a week and frowned. It looked more like a turtle than anything, but he could live with it. He began to work on the tail when his door slammed open. He gasped and looked to the entryway. He gulped at the intimidating sight of his father filling the hole.

The large man strode over to his bed, ripping the needles and yarn from his hands.

"Wasting time again are we Gwendal? What have I told you about such habits?"

Gwendal gulped before reciting his father's opinion.

"And yet you find it productive to do such things?"

"N-no, Father."

"Good, then you won't be needing these anymore."

"No, Father."

"Good boy." The man turned towards the door, "Come, Gwendal. Your mother wishes to speak with you before you begin your lessons again."

He stood rooted to the spot, unable to move for fear. He shook it off before racing to catch up with his father.

Never waste time.

---

Gwendal sighed, it was times like these he wished his mother had never been named Demon Queen. For two years his father had hounded him. Glancing over his shoulder at all times to ensure he was learning the paperwork of the trade. He had been deprived of his free time since his father had caught him knitting. His half-brother, Conrad, the half-human, was with their mother now. His second brother was being born while he was stuck with…ink, parchment, and quills.

He began reading another document, determined to finish quickly. The door opened and a wicked laughter filled the air.

His throat tightened, his breathing stalled, beads of sweat began to roll down his face. There was only one being who would dare enter his study and laugh. He clenched his eyes shut. Don't look and she'll go away

"Gwendal!"

He groaned, Great One give me strength, and looked up; His face completely blank as he looked at his childhood friend.

"Anissina, what brings you here?"

"Well, Gwendal, I have invented a magnificent machine that will complete all your paperwork in a matter of seconds!"

"Anissina…I really don't think-" He was cut off as she latched onto his hand, placing a metal glove on it. He opened his mouth to question her but had a metal ring, complete with flashing lights, jammed on top of his head before he could form any words. A wire connected the two contraptions, leading to the large tank she had dragged in behind her.

"Anissina-"

"Not to worry, Gwendal! My amazing 'Magically-Run-Document-Completing-Device,' or MR. DCD for short, will finish your task in no time!"

Before Gwendal could argue, Anissina pressed the button. The large tank began vibrating, shaking at the same rate that the lights on his head were flashing. His hand shot across the desk, squirting ink over the document he had been working on. His hand continued to grab clumps of paper, soaking them in ink until he managed to tear the connecting wire from the headband. He panted, glaring at the mess now on his desk. He turned to glare at Anissina, only to find her, and her demon machine, missing from the room. He sighed and surveyed the damage. No doubt he would be there even longer now. He simply set the documents aside and went back to work.

Things he had learned from his father: Never complain, and never play before your work is finished.

Gwendal let a small smile form as he slid open his desk drawer. He looked down at the knitted kitten Anissina had made him for his tenth birthday. He often wondered why he tolerated her. Then he would remember everything she had helped him through.

He looked back up at his desk, and all those thoughts were driven out at the mess she had caused. Why do I put up with her?

---

Gwendal stood at his father's bedside, irritated that he was stuck inside. He let a smile shine in his eyes, Wolfram had just been given his first play sword and had taken to running about the palace pretending he was in combat. A frown formed, Conrad was the one out there with him. He should be there too, playing with his brother.

"Gwendal."

He sighed. "Yes, Father?"

"Why are you here?"

"You need someone to watch over you, Father. Your illness will end soon."

Gwendal did not care to mention that his illness would end with his death. But he was to be there for him until the end, and so, here he was.

"Bah, leave me. You have work to do. No doubt your mother is with some new man, and that Conrad…he is likely to be playing around."

He should be, he has a tough decision to make in a few years. It's best he use this time for play.

"The work can wait, Father."

His father's eyes snapped open. Their cold blue set on Gwendal, burning with a deep fire.

"Work must always come first, Gwendal. Leave."

Gwendal simply nodded. He walked to the door, pausing to look back, only for a moment, then continued on his way to his study.

Three days later they burned his father's body.

Work will always come first.

---

Gwendal stood behind his mother's chair in the General's chamber. He felt numb. They were declaring war. He turned to look at his younger brothers. Both looked back at him, pain reflected in their eyes. He looked to the declaration, a piece of paper with official words, the same kind of document that had ruled his life. He grabbed the paper off the table, his uncle had already signed it.

"…And that pretty much sums up Gwendal's entire life. When he was a child he was always training to do the work he does now."

Yuri sat, wide eyed, staring at his friend. "So, Gwendal really didn't have a childhood or anything?"

Conrad shook his head sadly, "No, the only times he really had any fun were when Anissina scared away his tutors."

"Yeah, I noticed she came up in the story a lot. Were they good friends then?"

"The best; on the rare occasions when his father left you would never see one without the other."

"Then…why does he constantly avoid her now?"

Conrad laughed, hundreds of memories flashing through his mind. He noticed Yuri giving him a confused look.

"Well, Yuri, how about I tell you a little more about young Anissina?"

Anissina was standing in her mother's bedchamber. Her father and brother had gone out hunting, leaving her alone with her mother. Her bright blue eyes fell on her mother's stomach. So my baby brother is in there? What's so special about him?

Five months her mother had been lying in this bed. The weight of the baby had been too much for the woman. Any day now, the babe would be born.

"Anissina."

The young girl's head shot up at her mother's frail voice.

"Yes, Mommy?"

"Sweetheart, I need you to go get a midwife. It's time."

Blue eyes widened and pink hair flew around as she nodded her head. She spun around and ran out the room.

She returned a few minutes later, midwife in tow. Her mother's screams could be heard down the hall. The elderly woman turned to her.

"Miss Anissina, I need you to stay out here in the hall while I go in to your mother."

Anissina nodded, sniffing. She had started crying as soon as she reached the midwife. She attempted to regain her composure, but found it hard as her mother continued to scream.

Three hours she had been listening to her mother wail. She sat in the hall, arms wrapped around her knees as she rocked back and forth.

The door to the room opened and Anissina jumped up, waiting for the midwife to give her news. The woman's kind face was shadowed by a frown. Anissina glanced to her arms, expecting a bundle holding her brother. Her eyes widened as she recognized the vivid red stain on the midwife's white apron. She turned her terrified eyes to the elderly woman.

"Where, where's my brother? How is my mommy doing?"

The woman's frown deepened and she kneeled so she was eye level with the younger girl.

"Miss…your brother caused your mother to bleed. She lost too much blood."

Anissina shook her head. "No, my brother wouldn't hurt my mommy. Mommy said she was going to be fine, and that I would finally be an older sister!"

"Dear, sometimes these things happen."

"NO!"

Anissina ran around the midwife, charging into the room. The white linens on the bed were soaked with blood. She timidly approached the bed, quietly calling her mother.

"Mommy? Are you awake?"

She stood at the side of the bed and looked at her mother. A thin sheen of sweat covered her unnaturally pale face. She reached out to take her mother's hand, withdrawing quickly at its icy temperature. She grabbed her shoulder and began to shake her.

"Mommy?"

Her mother would never wake up.

---

Anissina stood in the great hall. Her father was speaking with her brother. She sighed, two years ago her mother had passed in labor, taking her younger brother with her to the grave. Her father had essentially ignored her existence since that day, preferring to devote all his time to raising her brother. Well, Brother is the one who will have to lead these lands one day. Taking one last look towards her father, Anissina crept out of the hall. She smiled and began to run. She was to meet the Professor today.

She found the secret passage that lead to a room in the dungeon level. She knocked furiously on the door. An explosion, sending thick black smoke leaking under the door, quickly followed a loud crash within the room. Anissina shrieked and jumped away from the door. Loud footsteps in the room closed in on the door. A large man whipped open the door.

"Ah, young lady Anissina, what brings you down here?"

Anissina had to tilt her head back to see the man's face, she smiled at the large goggles covering his eyes and the soot dusting his entire face.

"You told me I could come watch you work today."

"Eh? Don't you have studying to do?"

Anissina shook her head, her hot pink hair whipping behind her.

"No, Father doesn't make me study."

"Oh…well then, come on in. I'm working on a new potion that will give you massive amounts of energy…"

Anissina smiled as he continued rambling. She followed him into the room and spent her day exploring his lab.

---

Anissina ran through the halls, her skirt tied to allow the movement. She was told that today she would meet the other nine aristocrat families. She was overjoyed; her father never let her go to these meetings. She rounded the corner, upset that she might be late. Her progress was halted by an obstruction in her way.

She groaned as she sat on the ground, holding back her tears. She looked up and gasped. Standing over her was a boy. He looked about her age and was staring at her, his blue eyes widened in horror. He knelt down, examining her.

"Are you alright? I'm so sorry! I got separated from my family and got lost. I'm supposed to be in the meeting hall."

Anissina blinked, nodding. She allowed him to help her up before answering him completely.

"I'm fine. Honest, thank you for helping me up. I was actually headed to the meeting hall myself. I could lead you there if you'd like."

The boy smiled, relief clear on his face. He nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, please do." He held out his hand. "I'm Gwendal…von Voltaire."

Anissina's eyes widened, she smiled excitedly as she shook his hand.

"Anissina von Karbelnikoff."

---

A surge of electromagnetic energy swept through the courtyard. The palace staff were all on high alert, their hair frizzing. A boy of sixteen stood at the center of the force, deep hair flying around with the energy waves. His navy blue eyes shone with a fire deep inside, illustrating the source of his skill.

Dark black clouds rolled in the sky over the palace, the friction and static bowing to the boy's will.

"By the elements running through the earth, Lightning! Hear my call!"

A large bolt of lightning struck the ground not three feet in front of him. He took a deep breath before standing upright. A hand fell to his shoulder.

"Good work, Son."

"Thank you, Father."

Anissina ran out, excited for her brother and his triumph. He had been training for three years and it seemed he had finally mastered it.

"Good job big brother! That was amazing!"

Her brother turned to her, smiling. "Thanks, 'Nis."

"I'm going to start training right now! Then, one day, I can be like you and father!"

A barking laugh escaped her father and she turned questioning eyes to him.

"Be like us? Girl the only thing that will ever make you like us is your blood. Females are not able to use demon magic. Beyond their slow aging and occasional bursts of healing energy, women are useless at magic."

Her father turned away while Anissina stood rooted to the spot. She heard him call her brother after him. Saw him say goodbye before he followed the older man.

Anissina shook her head. He's wrong, I can use magic.

Three days all Anissina did was practice. Exhausting herself as she tried to summon the magic within her. It began to rain. Coupled with her lack of sleep or food the chilly winds and waters ripped through her, overwhelming her small body until she collapsed in the courtyard.

She opened her eyes, taking in her bleary surroundings. She looked to her bedside and saw her brother. Tears welled up in her eyes and she launched herself into his arms. He rubbed her back before speaking in his gentle tone.

"Don't cry Anissina, you're alright now."

"Father said I was useless."

"Don't listen to him. You're not useless. What would I do without my baby sister?"

Anissina pulled back, using a fist to wipe away the tears on her face. She gave him a small smile.

"Probably never get anything done unless Father was right behind you."

The siblings laughed. Anissina smiled and hugged him again. Father's wrong. I refuse to be useless to our lands.

---

Her face was screwed up in concentration. One more wire and her creation would be complete. She carefully connected the small ends of the blue tubing and gave a triumphant cry.

"Yes! I finished her!"

She turned around to show the magnificent creation to her friend. Gwendal raised an eyebrow as he surveyed the item. "Her?"

Anissina shrieked in outrage. Hitting Gwendal on his cheek before realizing what she'd done. Both blushed, looking away from each other. After a few awkward moments Anissina cleared her throat before explaining what she had accomplished.

"She happens to be a state of the art doll. Fully equipped with flying and fireball action."

"I…see."

Anissina sighed. Of course he wouldn't care. He's just a boy after all. She looked up at her friend. Five years they had been each other's sanity. Always there for each other when one needed it. How to make him appreciate the finer things in life? A wicked smile formed on her face.

"Gwendal, how about I teach you to knit?"

She grabbed his arm before he could respond and pulled him to another room. The lighting in the lab was far too dark to learn to knit.

After a few hours of stumbling through the motions, Gwendal seemed to be getting the hang of it. He was currently finishing up, what he had exclaimed would be, a masterpiece. He gave a small cheer as he pulled the knitting from the needles. He held it out for inspection. Anissina pulled it to her and examined it, laughing a bit.

"You knitted a glove?"

Red flared in Gwendal's cheeks. He turned his head away and mumbled. Anissina leaned a little closer, face contorted with irritation.

"I didn't catch that. Speak up!"

He turned his head and their blue eyes locked. After a moment he spoke again.

"I said it's a dress for your doll."

A bright smile blossomed on her face, she dropped her own knitting in favor of hugging the embarrassed boy next to her.

---

Anissina stood in the lab, helping the Professor with his latest invention. She loved being down here. The different sounds, the smells, and excitement! It was just so exhilarating. She knew she had no true responsibilities to the kingdom, she would be free to do whatever she wished.

I'm going to invent the most amazing things! I can help people by making their lives easier. Now, I just need to find a good test subject. A devilish smile formed on her lips as the perfect person came to mind.

Gwendal.

"Wow, so that inventor was really her only friend until Gwendal?"

Conrad nodded sadly. "Yes, as I understand it both Gwendal and Anissina were a tad neglected as children. I think that's why Anissina is so dear to Gwendal, despite his fear of her experiments. They've never really been separated since they met, they wrote letters whenever they were at different castles."

Yuri's eyes were wide, he had never guessed Gwendal to be the type to write personal letters to anyone. A detail from the story flashed through his mind.

"Wait! You said Anissina slapped him right?"

Conrad raised an eyebrow, "Yes?"

"Does that mean they're engaged!?"

Conrad's eyes widened. "I…suppose it does."

Both men shuddered in horror before laughing. Gwendal and Anissina married, what a day that would be.

So there it is! I had a lot of fun writing this, Gwendal and Anissina are so much fun to play with. I didn't mean for the engagement thing to happen but it did anyway. I may be adding other characters as ideas come for me, this just seemed like a decent place to end.

Oh! Before I forget, I don't own Lord of the Rings either, I just liked the quote and thought it would suit this.

Hope you enjoyed it!