KYAH! I wrote chapter 2! AND THERE'S YAOI! I couldn't help myself, I'm sorry.
Actually, I'm not sorry.
So, I hope you enjoy this chapter. :D


Marta was still cursing that Light Frog under her breath as she, Emil, and their new acquaintance Regal left the town of Izoold. Emil liked Regal a lot. He was humble and kind, and never once treated him like a child. Emil couldn't help but notice Regal's splendid build, but he thought about Richter instead.

He missed his "sexy librarian."

He hadn't seen Richter since he'd been face-down in the cave at Lake Sinoa. He still hoped inside that he was a good person, that he really had meant his gentler words and that this whole Marta/Ratatosk affair was just a huge misunderstanding and that they'd be able to talk things out and be friends…

"Emil, are you alright?" Regal asked, leaning over slightly and peering into Emil's face. "Your face has started turning blue and that isn't really a good sign.

Emil blinked and took a deep breath, his color almost immediately returning to normal. "I'm sorry…" he murmured. He had been so deep in thought that he'd forgotten to breathe. Or maybe it was the thought of Richter that took his breath away.

"Don't be sorry, Emil," Regal said gently, "But please remember to breathe occasionally."

"O-okay…" Emil said softly, a little embarrassed that he'd forgotten something as simple as breathing.

His thoughts then returned to Richter, and he vaguely remembered the old man Koton had mentioned him. Maybe he'd seen him…

Emil led the group to Hakonesia Peak. Being slightly ahead of the others, he saw Richter entering Koton's building.

Marta was quick to catch him. "Emil, what are you doing?"

"I-I need to talk to Koton. Wait here, okay?" Emil hoped Marta would take the hint.

"But why can't I come with you?" she protested.

"I don't want to spoil the surprise so, um…"

"Alright, I'll wait here…" she said, disappointed.

"It's alright, Lady Marta," Tenebrae said coolly, "I shall accompany Emil inside."

Outside the door, Emil heard Richter discussing something with Koton.

"Right, now the Balacruf Tombstone to complete the deal," the greedy collector said in his rat-like voice.

"I know. You'll give up the Spiritual Tome then?" Richter replied. He sounded cool and collected, but there seemed to be a hint of the wolf in him.

"Of course."

At this point, Emil ran in. "Richter!" he cried, happy to see his friend.

"Emil!?" Richter seemed confused. Why was Emil there? Through his confusion though, he was pleased inside. He liked the blond, he reminded him of someone he knew, someone he needed back.

"What's the Spiritual Tome? Does it have anything to do with Ratatosk?" Emil questioned. He needed to know.

"Not directly."

"So they are related somehow?"

"Why should I explain this to you?" he said curtly, the tone he often used when even mildly irritated.

"Because you matter to me," Emil said. He hoped Richter could hear how deep it was. Emil had been having dreams of the "sexy librarian" since they had parted. Sometimes Richter killed him, in which he would end up awake in a cold sweat, crying when he thought about it. Other times though, he would dream of those warm arms around him back in Lake Sinoa Cave. Richter did wonderful things to his body in those dreams. He had let down his tough exterior and let Emil see his more sensitive side, and Emil enjoyed being touched so softly and tenderly, getting kisses and having his hair ruffled. Usually, his mind would extend this dream to a raunchy end, and when he woke up in the middle of the night, something always ached between his thighs. He didn't know why, only aware of one use for it, but it always felt good when he ran his hand along the length, thinking of Richter doing it with his stronger, larger hands. He tried so hard to muffle his moans and pants, wishing he knew what his body was doing. But if it felt good, then it must be okay, right? He disliked the part when his sheets would get wet with the strange, sticky white liquid, but otherwise he loved doing this. He always hoped he would have dreams of Richter loving him so gently when he went to bed every night.

"Richter, why are you in the Vanguard? You're so nice to me, except when it comes to Ratatosk's core…" he said sadly, looking down at the ground slightly. If it weren't for Ratatosk, he wouldn't have any problems with Richter.

Richter responded with a slightly surprised sound.

"Please tell me!" Emil begged.

"No." One simple word said so much, and it crushed Emil slightly inside. But he wouldn't back down yet.

"Then I'm going with you," he said simply, but with determination. "If your plan has anything to do with killing Ratatosk, I have to stop you."

"Is Marta here with you?" he said, knowing this was a weak spot.

"I-I won't let you kill her!" he burst out. He liked Marta, yes, but as a friend. She was somewhat annoying. Her actions and words made him wonder if she even saw him as Emil and not as her "prince." He felt like he had a duty to her though, since she saved him before.

"Alright, I'll let you assist me. But if I so much as glimpse her in the corner of my eye, she's as good as dead," he threatened.

"What do you want me to do?" Emil said, frightened.

'Strip down so I can take you,' Richter thought. Wait, where did that thought come from? He didn't love the boy, or his body. He wanted Aster back, that's all. Well, that's what he tried to convince himself of anyway.

"Come to Asguard. I'll explain things there. Now go. Or I'll go outside now and kill Marta."

"Right. Um… Thank you."

When Emil and Tenebrae came back outside, Marta was waiting for them patiently.

"You're back, what's the surprise?"

"Um, well, um, we sort of have to go to Asguard, you see, but-"

"What!? Why?"

"Lady Marta, I believe Emil is thinking about doing something for you," Tenebrae said coolly, helping Emil before he got too flustered. "Please give him your support."

"Well, I guess we can. But promise you'll explain all of this."

"Eh, sure!"

Marta began walking off towards the cliff-side town. Emil and Tenebrae lagged behind a bit.

"Thanks, Tenebrae."

"To be honest, I'm not comfortable with this. But it wouldn't hurt to know what Richter is up to."

Marta turned around, wondering where the two others were. "What are you two whispering about over there?"

"Nothing!" Emil replied quickly, trying to act natural but knew he seemed suspicious.

They walked for a while through the mountain pass and finally found the town that was so neatly nestled at the cliff side. Upon entering, the mayor of Asguard greeted them briskly.

"Oh! What great timing! I have a favor to ask of you, Marta."

"A favor from me?" Marta couldn't possibly think of what the mayor would want her to do.

"You see, we've been planning to hold a festival here, to revive tourism. We've been wondering if you might perform the Maiden Ritual as part of the festivities?"

Before Marta could respond to anything, the mayor continued. "Please come to my house. I'll be happy to fully explain things there."

With that, Marta was dragged off a ways, without a word, completely surprised. She looked over her shoulder at Emil, who also looked somewhat confused. The mayor told Marta to wait for a moment and went to Emil.

"Richter told me what's going on. I'll keep Marta busy while you're out with him. Please head to the inn," he whispered to the blond.

"Hold on! Emil, what are you going to do?" Marta asked, not wanting to be separated from her "prince."

"This works out perfectly since I've got some errands to run. I'll just meet up with you afterwards at the mayor's house."

"You're keeping a lot of secrets from me lately," Marta said, hurt and accusatory.

"I'm sorry…" Emil said, genuinely sorry.

"Come on, Marta!" the mayor said, dragging her off to his house to discuss the festival.

Tenebrae could no longer hold back his chuckle. "Emil, I didn't know you had such tastes."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean meeting Richter at an inn while the mayor keeps Marta busy. Doesn't that sound a little risqué to you?"

"Um… I don't know what you're talking about, Tenebrae…"

The Centurion sighed. "Emil, from how the mayor put it, it sounded like you had a secret, romantic date with Richter at the inn."

"What!? I didn't- I mean- It's not like that!"

Tenebrae chuckled again. "I know Emil. Anyway, you should probably find something to make it up to Lady Marta."

"Yeah."

Richter was waiting for Emil at the top floor of the inn. There were no other guests there of course, and Richter was sitting comfortably on a bed, looking up at the ceiling until Emil walked in. Emil couldn't help but notice the slight bulge in Richter's pants where his 'thing' would be. Emil wondered if it hurt him when he thought of the blond, but the thoughts were quickly pushed out of his head when Richter got up and spoke.

"There you are," he said as if he had been made to wait.

"Um… so where do we go first?"

"There's a researcher named Linar here who's an expert on the Balacruf Mausoleum. We'll see him first."

"I know Linar!" he exclaimed, remembering him from when he met Colette.

"Is that so? Then lead the way." Richter was slightly impressed, but his job was much easier now.

"Um… About Marta…" he said, wondering if Richter would hurt her.

"I made arrangements with the mayor. So long as she doesn't run into me, I won't kill her." He added as an afterthought, "At least for now."

"Thank you! I knew you were a nice person!" He felt better, his affection for Richter reaffirmed.

Richter blinked, surprise spread wide across his face. He couldn't look at Emil, instead looking at the bed sheets, his face redder than his hair. "Don't misunderstand. I still plan on taking Ratatosk's core from her. And when I do, she will die. Don't forget that." The blush was gone and seriousness was back on his face.

Emil looked somewhat crushed at this. He was determined to not give up his love for his friend though and was more than happy to travel with him again, this time right at his side.

It was only a moment before they reached Linar's house. Emil was scared though. Marta was not far away, only at the top of the hill, if Richter saw her… But there was no sign of his companion, and went inside without incident.

"Hey, Emil!" Linar greeted him. "And who is this with you?"

"This is Richter." The aforementioned male nodded slightly. "Um, we'd like to go to the Balacruf Mausoleum."

Harley, a half-elf who was close friends with Linar, responded to Emil. "I thought it was destroyed when the giant tree went out of control."

"Yes, the entrance is completely blocked off," Linar confirmed.

"Damn it," Richter cursed. "Now what?"

"Actually, maybe we could get to the Balacruf Mausoleum from the altar under the stone dais."

"What do you mean!?" Richter said, that hungry wolf in him showing its face once more, fortunately it wouldn't shake Emil again.

Emil explained that when he, Marta, and Colette ventured in there, she said it looked very similar in structural design to the Balacruf Mausoleum.

"It's worth a try," Richter mused. "Come on, Emil."

When Richter left the house, Harley spoke up again. "Hey, Emil, about that guy…"

"You mean Richter? He can be a bit curt, but he's a good person."

Harley looked somewhat confused. "You mean you don't know? Oh, right. Humans can't tell." Emil looked at him strangely. "Sorry, forget I said anything. Be careful out there."

With that Emil left, somewhat confused by Harley's words.

When they reached the stone dais, Emil wondered if they would have to get Marta to open the gate. But that would mean bringing her within Richter's sight, and that would mean…

Richter merely summoned Aqua, who was ecstatic to help her master. Richter asked if she would open the way and she was more than happy to do so. Tenebrae, jealous of her for all the attention, allowed himself to be seen.

"It's nothing special, I could've done this," he said loftily, trying to put Aqua back in her place.

Shocked, the Centurion of Water excused herself and left them, not wanting to be around Tenebrae, who somehow made her feel gloomy.

Once inside, they wandered around a bit, trying to find an entrance or something to the mausoleum. Emil walked past a statue, paying it no mind, but Richter stopped.

"Hold on, Emil."

"Hmm?"

"Something seems out of place here. Let's investigate." He looked up at the statue, trying to find it's secrets.

"Out of place? I don't see anything odd…"

"Really?" Richter was mildly surprised. How could he not… "Oh, I suppose you wouldn't," he said, almost sadly.

"I'm sorry," he replied, not knowing what else to say.

"No, don't apologize. That was my mistake." His tone was gentle and understanding.

"Oh, okay." Emil noticed the unusual change in demeanor, though didn't know why or what do about it, so stayed quiet.

While investigating, Emil became bored and started wandering, going to lean up against the wall.

"Emil! Don't touch the wall!" Richter said, grabbing the male's wrist and pull him against his body. "These ancient ruins are often rigged with booby traps. Just pay attention, and don't do anything stupid."

"I'm sorry." Emil said, too shocked to realize how close he was to Richter. Richter merely sighed. "I really am sorry."

"I heard you the first time," he growled.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, feeling dejected. Richter sighed again.

After they found the device and proceeded along through the dais, Emil finally plucked up enough courage to talk to Richter again.

"You really seem to know a lot about these ruins. Are you an archaeologist or something like that?"

"I believe I told you I was in the Vanguard," Richter said curtly. How could Emil forget such a major detail?

"Oh yeah. Right…"

Richter sighed. "A long time ago I did some work involving ruins. That's why I know what I know. That's all." He seemed sad when he spoke, as if he were remembering some painful memories.

"Thank you!" Emil said, almost overjoyed.

"What?" Richter was caught off guard.

"I'm just happy you answered one of my questions!"

"It must've just slipped out…"

"I'd love to hear more about-"

"I have nothing else to say," he said, cutting Emil off.

"Oh I- okay…" he said, feeling dejected again and pulling away from Richter.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of walking in silence, they made it to the Balacruf Mausoleum. Everyone was overjoyed, but Richter couldn't help staring at Emil's face. It was the same face as Aster, but it was a different person. He knew that, but he couldn't help staring.

"What!? Is there something on my face?" Emil asked, taken aback by this action.

"No. It's nothing." Richter replied, turning his back to everyone and staring out at the horizon.

"Did I do something wrong…?" Emil asked the two Centurions.

"No, it's just-" Aqua started before Tenebrae cut her off.

"Aqua, what would be achieved in telling him?"

"I know, I know!" she snarled, crossing her arms and departing.

"Tenebrae, is there something you're not telling me?"

"Um, well, you see-"

"You look like a friend of mine. That's all," Richter interjected before things became messy. Tenebrae looked relieved.

"What?"

"Just forget about it. Let's keep moving. We have to find the Balacruf Tombstone as soon as possible."

After defeating another monster guarding the entrance to the mausoleum, Richter thought it appropriate to compliment Emil.

"Looks like your fighting skills have come a long way."

"You taught me everything I know!" Emil said appreciatively.

"That was only when we first met," he said, glaring.

"But that was enough for me to learn the basics of battle. I consider you my mentor." He hoped Richter would be flattered.

Richter's face fell slightly. "Would you say the same when I kill Marta?"

"Well…"

"Don't grow too fond of me, I'm your enemy."

"Right…" he murmured, looking to the ground.

It was another long while before they found what seemed to be what they were looking for. Many of the paths felt like wind tunnels, and monsters infested every corner of the place.

They went deep into the bowels of the Mausoleum, and finally found a lump of rock situated on a pedestal.

"That looks like the Balacruf Tombstone."

"That piece of rock is the tombstone?" Emil said, fairly surprised. He approached the shrine carelessly, but Richter had his guard up.

"Look out!" He ran between Emil and a large monster, blocking it from hurting Emil. His arms were stretched wide, protecting the blond from harm.

"Richter!?" Emil was surprised. Richter would still defend him… It made him glad inside, but he had no time to dwell on that feeling of joy.

"Be careful!"

"I'm sorry!"

"Let's get rid of this pest first," he snarled, his muscles tensing and readying for battle. Emil and Richter attacked together, which made Emil happy. Of course, he let his other side fight for him, but to be with Richter again…

"Are you alright?" Tenebrae asked, his gaze sweeping over Emil to search for any serious injuries.

"Yeah."

"Ancient structures like this often have numerous magical traps. If you approach without carefully checking the area first, you could wind up dead," Richter explained matter-of-factly.

"I'm sorry…" Emil sighed. Why did he screw up so much?

"I wasn't looking for an apology."

"Master Richter was warning you, so you wouldn't be injured or worse," Aqua said. "And if you apologize after everything, your apologies become meaningless." This statement seemed a bit crueler than she had previously been.

"Oh."

"Aqua, that's enough," Richter said, silencing the Centurion effortlessly.

Aqua disappeared in a huff, allowing the party to head outside in quiet, of course battling monsters around every corner. The mausoleum was infested.

At the top of the dais, Emil asked Richter the question that was burning on his mind. "What will you do now?"

"I'll give the Balacruf Tombstone to Koton."

"In exchange for the Spiritual Tome?"

"Correct. Now I think you've had enough fun though. Time for you to go back to Marta."

"See you, Emil," Aqua said in an almost friendly sort of way.

"Wait! What's the Spiritual Tome? Why do you need it?"

"The Spiritual Tome is a book on the Church of Martel. It was lost from the Academic Resources Building in Sybak. I'm recovering it for personal reasons. That's all."

"But it's important enough that you're willing to ignore Marta to get it?"

Richter chose not to answer his question, instead opting to thank him. "I could not have gotten the Balacruf Tombstone if not for you. Thank you, Emil. I appreciate your help."

"It was nothing. But what about –"

Richter cut Emil off by putting a round thing in his hand. "This is the Balacruf bracelet. Give it to Marta."

Tenebrae was skeptical, but Richter put his worries at ease, saying that it might be something to use to explain where he went.

As Richter left, Aqua explained that Richter's working for Norton, a man working in Sybak's Academic Resources Building. When Richter told her to hurry, she told Emil that if he wants to help Richter, he needs to come to Triet.

Emil was a bit lost, but returned to Marta, who was a little upset at Emil for taking so long.

"Finally! What took you so long? You took forever coming back to I had to do all the festival planning myself! What do you have to say for yourself!?"

Emil was too shocked to speak, so Tenebrae coolly explained that Emil was looking for a present for her in the mausoleum. Emil showed her the bracelet, which made her anger melt away into joy.

"Oh, Emil! I love it! I love you!" she hugged the blond tightly.

Emil felt bad for lying, but couldn't stop thinking of Richter.

As they were leaving the city, he couldn't help but bring the red-head up. "Is Richter really all that bad?"

Marta was shocked. "Are you listening to yourself!? He's out to kill Ratatosk and me in the process!"

"Yeah, I know, but-"

"What got you thinking about this anyway?"

"It's just, back at the Balacruf-"

"Lady Marta! It's awful! Your hair is in terrible disarray! Your hair is sticking up every which way in the back."

Marta freaked out, running off to find a mirror.

"Emil, perhaps you'd better keep your whole Richter affair a secret."

"Oh! Oh yeah, right. Sorry…"

Emil couldn't help but think about the red-head though, how he'd blocked the monster's attack, how he'd protected him from the walls that could pose potential danger to him. He still wondered though, how he knew the statue was hiding something.


Richter was sitting alone in the inn again. He was thinking about Aster and Emil. He would never have Aster if his plan fell through. And Emil… He didn't know what to do, the blond was sweet and gentle, but he was sure… No, it couldn't be, it just couldn't be.

He let his mind wander, thinking to his past, present and future. He thought about Emil, how he believed in him. It made him feel almost dirty, and not in a sexy way. But then his mind started to wander to the sexy way, his manhood stirring to life when he thought of Emil. The blond had blushed in Lake Sinoa when he touched him so gently. He didn't have to see, but he knew, as a half-elf. He could sense these otherwise imperceptible things. He wondered if Emil thought about him, noticing that his sex drive had increased slightly since they had last met. Or maybe it was because of Marta. Emil seemed to like her. That thought made him feel somewhat sad.

He pushed the girl out of his mind and went back to Emil. He had wanted to throw him down in the sparse grass outside of the Mausoleum. He'd wanted to take Emil's clothes off and devour his mouth and body, he wanted so badly to touch and please him. He thought about his swollen appendage and it made him hot and uncomfortable in his tight pants. He undid his fly and adjusted himself so he wasn't fighting a losing battle with his pants. He stroked himself with gloves on, pretending they were Emil's soft ones. A blush spread across his cheeks that matched his hair, and he could almost hear Emil's strangled cries in his high, gentle voice. He touched his slightly pointed ears, imagining Emil's face when he saw and felt them, and not caring. It was awe and wonder at the soft, pointed flesh. Just like Aster…

Now Aster was in his little fantasy, propping Emil up in his lap and stroking the boy's manhood for him. Emil stared at Richter, begging for him to take him. And take him he did. He was gentle though, taking off his glove and getting his fingers covered in Emil's spit. Emil didn't know what to do at first, but learned to lick and moan around Richter's three fingers, sending electric sparks shooting to his groin and making him thicker, harder, desiring more. He eventually replaced his fingers with his tongue, kissing Emil passionately as he stretched Emil. He was tight, definitely a virgin. He shifted under him uncomfortably, a little clueless as to what was going on. But Aster, in a slightly deep and husky sex banter, whispered what Richter would do to him. It made Richter anxious, removing his fingers before Emil was completely ready and taking his virginity. Emil made a strangled cry, trying to shift around Richter's cock.

Richter was sent skyrocketing to heaven, and it took him a moment to control himself from exploding right then. Emil was gasping and whimpering softly, Richter descending on his mouth and silencing his cries, trying to turn them to pleasure. Aster was tiring of working Emil's cock, fighting and winning Richter's mouth, which made the friends moan. It sent shivers down Emil's spine and his body responded with pleasure.

"Richter, I think he's ready," he whispered, blowing hot air in Emil's ear and making him moan softly. Richter started rocking, finding that tender spot on the first try and making Emil scream his name. This encouraged Richter, he thrust deeper and deeper, he felt himself nearing climax, but Aster suddenly commanded him to stop. Richter growled at him, wondering why he would stop him in his fun.

"Just wait, my friend," he murmured, reaching under Emil and pulling slightly on his entrance. He had more give, and this pleased Aster.

"Richter…?" Emil said, a little worried, screaming in pain when he felt Aster's cock being forced up inside him too.

Richter couldn't think anymore. Aster's cock felt so good against his, and the sheath was so tight… But Emil was clawing at his shirt, crying bitterly at the pain. Richter bent his head and kissed him tenderly, grabbing his manhood and stroking Emil, trying to distract him.

The two males thrust and hit that spot, taking a turn to pain and pleasure Emil. Emil was screaming in both, but Richter tried to comfort him. He realized it was no longer fun, pushing Aster away and taking little Emil into his lap and having a one-on-one session, kissing and loving him tenderly.

Emil didn't last much longer now, since he was alone with Richter. He moaned and writhed from pleasure, trying to kiss Richter back with the same force he was applying on the blond's mouth. Finally, he exploded in quiet ecstasy. Feeling Emil's ass clench around his dick, hearing his strangled cry put Richter over the edge too.

But Aster was angry. "Richter, how could you forget me for him!?"

Richter blinked in surprise. "But Aster…"

Richter woke from his daydream in a start. He didn't know when exactly he fell asleep, but he was covered in cum, hot, sticky, and very confused.

"What the hell do I do…?"