Warnings: Mild Violence, some sexual content. (Actually, just violence for this chapter.) I'll bring on the love later.
Disclaimer: I don't claim any rights to KKM; this fic is all for fun.
SPECIAL THANKS: To my fan-tabulous beta tsuzukiruka, who once again helped me in record time. What a lifesaver. Rosesher-feet
A/N: Words in Italics are either people's thoughts, or flashbacks. Just in case you were wondering.
"The party's getting interesting," Murata smiled devilishly, his glasses shimmering in the candlelight. "Why not come back to the castle with me?"
"My place is here, Your Eminence."
"Ulrike," he sighed. "The Great One…"
"Has moved on. I understand, but if I don't continue to honor him and pass on our traditions here at the temple, eventually his presence in Shin Makoku will fade from existence."
Murata pinched the bridge of his nose. "Your making this complicated. Besides, who could ever forget the benevolent creator of this country? "
Ulrike giggled. "You're right, but his majesty has many parties and if I make it a habit of attending them all, I'll undoubtedly never finish any of my duties as a priestess."
"So, I guess there's no convincing you. Well…."
Suddenly an enormous force shook the stone walls, cutting him off and nearly knocking him to the floor. Moments later the quaking abruptly stopped, leaving Murata stunned.
"Sounds like they're really shaking things up at the castle," he joked half-heartedly.
Ulrike didn't laugh, or say anything, she just stared toward the doors with a worried, wide-eye expression.
He placed a hand on her shoulder, reassuringly.
"Don't be concerned," Murata smiled. "It's very possible Lady Von Karbelnikoff
has just botched another one of her experiments. I'll go see what's up."
Ulrike didn't look convinced, but nodded anyway.
As Murata approached Covenant Castle an ominous feeling rested in the pit of his stomach, transforming his quick pace in to a full-blown run. Despite acting so flippant in the temple, he could feel the presence of a very strong magic. It's strength made him recall the days when he had been a Sage, who often followed the Great One in to battle. Together they fought against many evil forces from around the world, however this power was beyond such times--it was like nothing he'd ever felt.
Could it be the amulet?
Quickly, Murata rushed through the castle gates, not even pausing to digest the ruined courtyard. Though once or twice he tripped over debris, which blanketed the ground. It seemed to get worse as he neared the garden, so he swiftly deviated from his course.
Moving along corridors, Murata passed dozens of panicked guests, whom were evacuating with the help of the castle guards. It was only by chance that he crossed paths with Josak in the disarray.
"You eminence! Are you alright?"
"Yes, but earlier I felt an explosion. What's going on?"
"It's bandits. They've infiltrated the castle and have stolen Felta's Amulet."
"I figured as much," Murata spoke somberly. "Gwendal and I had a word when he arrived, his convoy supposedly retrieved the amulet from a group of townspeople in the east. They had kept it under false pretenses, believing the stone brings good fortune and now they've obviously come to reclaim it."
With precious time at their disposal, Murata plunged on without stopping for air:
"Listen to me! It is extremely important that no one touches the amulet with their bare hands, or else another explosion may occur. Felta's Amulet uses the emotions of whoever happens to be holding it and converts it too pure power, completely uncontrollable unless in the hands of the Demon King. We must secure the Amulet at all costs! Tell the soldiers what I've said!"
Josak gave a curt nod of understanding, "I'll go tell the Captain and the others at once." And then he was gone, which left Murata to his task.
Finding Shibuya was imperative, lest his friend might make a foolish decision. So, he raced towards the Maou's room, with each step growing more concerned.
"Shibuya!" Murata swung open the door, giving the bedroom a once over, before concluding no one was there. Biting his lip, he quickly tried to calculate the most plausible place his reckless friend could have gone….
Suddenly, a memory of Mama Shibuya came to mind, rambling the obvious answer:
"When my dear Yu-chan senses trouble he's not afraid to face it head on, just like his Mama! Which is exactly why I named him Yuri in the first place, it's exactly the kind of name a brave manga hero would have. If only my sweet little boy had been born with wings, his character would be even more amazing…Well, at least he's a Maou."
"Good thinking Mama!" Murata shouted, heading for the gardens, exactly where the hub of all the danger was. "He's gone to face the intruders!"
Conrad told him to stay put, but how could he with Covenant Castle under siege? He couldn't. No, he wouldn't, which is why he took off running until his lungs felt as if they might collapse. Following the screams coming from the gardens, Yuri gripped Morgif who was securely hooked to his side, readying himself for a fight.
When he entered the scene, there were dozens of guards surrounding four masked figures. Everyone was tense and poised for battle, though neither party looked eager to make the first move. He also noted to his displeasure, one of the assailants clutched a sack, while holding a young boy at knifepoint. This doesn't look good…
Yuri scanned the area again, trying to find any familiar faces.
Gwendal was the first person he saw, standing closest to the group of bandits, Wolfram not far behind his brother, but no sign of Conrad. Immediately Yuri began to worry, his eyes darting around to find the man.
Out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of something moving. Squinting in the moonlight, it took a moment for Yuri to realize both Conrad and Josak were approaching the masked men from behind, a small group of soldiers trailing after them. They were obviously aiming for a surprise attack.
It was also then, Yuri realized Fly-bone tribesmen were circling overhead, awaiting orders. Instantly, a lightbulb flash in his head. Waving his arms wildly in the air, Yuri signaled them over.
"Ok, Bonies." He whispered when they landed near him. "I need you to rescue that boy, before a fight breaks out."
The skeletons all clucked their jaws in understanding.
"Thank you my friends."
Again they all clucked, before taking off overhead once more. Now, hovering directly above the group of hostiles.
Suddenly, the young boy held captive screamed, "Let me go!" Unsuccessfully struggling, biting and kicking. "Help!"
A rush to do something quickly engulfed Yuri, but he was unsure about changing in to his other self, afraid he may make matters worse. What if I accidentally hurt the kid? Or, destroy more of the castle? Those thoughts kept him rooted to the spot, hoping that the fly-bone tribesmen would be able to save the boy, instead of himself.
"Give us the child and we may not take your life," he heard Gwendal shout, his voice thick with malice.
"Not unless your troops clear out," yelled what had to be the leader of the assailants, cloaked in black.
Gwendal grimaced, seeming to fight with himself on the issue. Then:
"Fall back!"
Yuri's eyes widened, watching the soldiers slowly retreat, meanwhile Conrad and his group of subordinates advanced from the rear; Drawing closer and closer to the enemy, until they no longer went unnoticed.
"Behind us!" One of the masked men cried, but it was too late. Quicker than a bolt of lightning, the Bonies shot down from the sky, scooping up the boy who'd been held hostage, as Conrad moved in for the kill. His sword instantaneously pointed at the neck of the enemy's leader. At which point everyone else seemed to stop, their attention drawn to the two.
Yuri on the other hand, raced forward.
"Stay back your Majesty!" Conrad said upon spotting him, an odd sense of urgency in his tone.
Stopping in his tracks, Yuri hesitated before attempting to edge his way forward again—except he didn't get far. Out of thin air Josak appeared, grabbing his arm.
"Let the Captain handle this your Majesty."
"But…!"
"Uh-uh." Josak wagged his finger, holding him even tighter.
Sighing in defeat, Yuri turned his attention back to Conrad, who was speaking.
"Hand over the Amulet."
The man in black smirked. "Do you really want it?"
Instead of responding, Conrad applied more pressure with his sword to the thief's neck.
"Alright, you asked for it." With that the man took out Felta's Amulet from the small sack he'd been carrying, and at his touch it began to glow. The light abruptly became almost blinding and everyone went to shield their eyes, except for Yuri. Forcing himself to look, he tried to keep Conrad in sight, ultimately failing.
Soldiers everywhere began to yell. Josak's grip slackened for just a second, giving him the opportunity to slip away.
"Your Majesty! Come back!" He heard the redhead franticly shout behind him, while he took off in the direction of the bandits.
"Conrad!" Yuri howled.
He wasn't sure how he managed to find his protector, but he did. The man had been thrown to the ground, his sword at a distance, leaving him completely vulnerable. Yuri could see the masked bandit approach Conrad with the stone, his voice filled with mirth.
"Sayonara. Mr. Hero."
Fear ripped at Yuri's insides and with out thinking he dashed forward, his eyes locked on to the Amulet. Its power seemed to be collecting, getting ready to burst from its shell.
"NO!" He screamed.
And as those words escaped his mouth, the leader swung around, the power of the Amulet now focused completely on himself. Then he was flying, whipping threw the air, surrounded by a brilliant light. It felt surreal, as if time had stopped, but Yuri had only a moment for such thoughts. With a sickening crack he made impact against a wall and crumpled to the floor.
For a second his vision went out of focus, and everything became numb. Vaguely he could hear people in the distance, yet couldn't find the will to listen. Using much of his strength, Yuri's reached up and touched his head. Bringing back his hand, he examined the blood smeared across his finger tips.
"YOUR MAJESTY!" Someone screamed.
Then the laughter came. "Ha ha! You fools! Do you really think a bunch of powerless soldiers can stand up to Felta's Amulet? I think not!"
The scorn, the smugness he could hear made his heart race, and the hidden strength with in him grow.
As if the bandit could feel this threat, he turned to face Yuri, who now glowed with his own amazing force.
"You dare cause such pain and chaos in my kingdom? All for the sake of meaningless power?!" Yuri ranted with growing fury. "I shall show you true power! It was not my intention to take your life, but you leave me no choice. Justice be done!"
Unsheathing Morgif, he gathered his strength in to the blade, before unleashing its full ability. Simultaneously, the bandit raised Felta's Amulet in to the air, screeching: "You don't have a chance against me!"
Then, both energy sources collided, making the wind snap back and forth.
Grunting, the Demon King urged his stream of power forward, barely able to hold Morgif at this point. The wounds from the Amulet's last onslaught burned now, weakening him and allowing his opponent the advantage. Still, he had to succeed for everyone who believed in his capabilities and knowing that gave him the strength to hurtle an enormous attack, eradicating everything in its path.
When the smoke from the battle eventually cleared, he found the amulet on the ground next to the battered thief who'd stolen it. Sighing in relief, Yuri transformed back and fell to the ground, eyes beginning to droop.
"Your Majesty...Yuri...YURI!" His slowly reopened to find Conrad just a few inches from his face.
"Uh," he croaked, gripping his head.
"Someone get Gisela!" Conrad roared, his voice cracking.
Yuri winced, clutching his head even tighter, feeling blood travel it's way over his hands. It hurt so much! Yet, he didn't faint or even get sick, which he certainly felt like doing.
Then a set of trembling hands removed Yuri's own.
He heard Conrad's quick intake of breath and automatically knew the injury must be pretty bad. After a moment he heard a ripping sound.
"I'm going to wrap your head in some cloth, I need to stop the bleeding," Conrad told him. "It may hurt."
Hurt was an understatement, nevertheless he managed not to scream even once. Instead he tried to focus on Conrad who continued to speak with soothing words, holding his hand. After a few moments he began feeling sleepy….
"Yuri!" Conrad pleaded.
He felt a slap, but it didn't faze him. Instead Yuri fell peacefully in to the sweet darkness that embraced him.
Well, that's all for now (folks). Lol. One more chapter to go and the story should be complete, but if anyone seems interested I might make a follow up fic. Possibly oneshot.
And thanks to everyone who has been nice enough to leave comments, they're always appreciated.