Chapter Warnings: Mild coarse language, Mild themes.
Author's Notes: I've finally seen the last episode of KKM, so hopefully I won't get anything messed up in my fanfics in regards to what happens in the show. Anyway, thank you for all your kind reviews! 23 for 2 chapters is great; thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: Tomo Takabayashi is the rightful owner of Kyou Kara Maou!
Meditation: continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation.
- In the Face of Anger -
Chapter Three: The Meditation
Note to self: Do not ever piss Gwendal off again. Ever. Never, ever again. NEVER. I was literally locked away for two days, and my hand is aching from all the signing I did. Not to mention the fact I was completely bored senseless, and rather then being allowed to leave to eat, the food was brought to me…It was probably the worst few days of my life. The whole ordeal was bad enough to give me a massive migraine.
"Your Highness!" Günter simpered adoringly. He had led me into one of the less used halls of Blood Pledge Castle, insisting that rather then having me locked up all day like Gwendal had, he was going to show me certain interesting things in the castle. I've got a bad feeling about when we reach the treasure chamber…We'll never leave… "This is an ancient scroll, you see," He praised, indicating at an exceptionally long scroll that was tacked up horizontally from one side of the room to another. The fabric was red with different mazoku characters sewn into it, and in the middle of the scroll was one of those strange lion-cross-fish things. "And, Your Majesty, do you know what it tells us?"
My eyes squinted at the text written on the scroll, attempting to decipher it. "Hm…well, I think it's headed as 'RANKINGS'. Is that right?"
Günter nodded happily. "Oh, how clever you are, Your Highness! It is an enchanted scroll which tells us the leading mazoku when it comes to how powerful our magic skills are." Wow, it can do that? But this thing must be horribly out-dated… "Centuries ago, the most powerful mazoku at the time created this scroll using his very own magic. It has the power to change accordingly whenever someone's magic is stronger than someone else's. I believe he created it because he was aware of how no one's magic could rival his own, and he just wanted to rub it in a bit by creating this, just so other mazoku could see his name at the top of the scroll. Oh!" He cried in excitement, pointing at one of the names near the middle of the scroll. "As you can see, Your Majesty-"
"It's moving!" I exclaimed in shock. It's true; one of the names that had previously been there faded away, three other names moved up, and then the same name that had faded appeared in an appropriate space. "That's incredible! What sort of magic did he use to do that?"
"We are uncertain, unfortunately, Your Majesty," Günter informed me gravely. Hm, so, this thing can tell us who the most powerful is in magic skills and who is the least. I wonder…?
"Where am I ranked?" I questioned curiously.
"Why, at the very top, of course," Günter said approvingly, indicating to my name. How can I be at the top? It's not exactly me who has all the awesome magic power, but my other personality – the Maou's personality. "Lady Cecilie is second only to you, Your Majesty."
"Huh," I muttered. That would make sense, since she was the previous Maou. "What are you ranked, Günter?"
Günter's eyes scanned the scroll for a second before pointing at his name. "It would appear I am ranked seventh. Gwendal is eighth. Oh, my, I have surpassed even Gwendal!" Günter cheered, doing an odd wiggle-of-a-dance. I stared at the name third from the top, not being able to read it.
"Who's the third?" I asked Günter interestedly. Günter frowned in slight distaste, but nodded in approval.
"Lord Wolfram von Bielefeld would be third."
"Oh, Wolfram is-what?" I blinked, stunned. I had no idea Wolfram's magic was regarded as something so great! I knew he was powerful, but I kinda always thought Günter and Gwendal would be stronger then him. "Is Wolfram's magic really that powerful?"
"I have to say that Wolfram may be a selfish, spoilt little brat, but his magic skills are definitely plausible," He admitted thoughtfully. "Where Wolfram is lacking slightly in his swordsmanship, he certainly makes up for in magic skills."
"Wolfram's not a bad swordsman!" I objected. "Do they have a scroll that tells us who is ranked in swordsmanship?"
Günter shook his head. "No. I know that Conrad would be currently at the top, where I used to be, but I have retired – in case you were wondering, Lord Wolfram would be ranked about tenth."
"Tenth is good, though!" I said defensively. "Wolfram's a good swordsman, really. I don't understand why everyone around here seems to think he's not …"
"Wolfram is better known for his magic skills," Günter told me reasonably. "I have heard a story from Lord Grisela Geigen Huber; he told me that he once challenged Wolfram to a duel out in human territory, and although he defeated Wolfram quite easily, afterwards Wolfram attempted to keep fighting, but with his fire magic."
"You mean…he was able to summon his magic, despite being in human territory?" I breathed in awe. I thought I was the only one capable of doing that!
"Yes. And although unlike Your Majesty, he was not able to injure Geigen Huber because he could not keep proper control over his powers, but it was miraculous he actually could summon it in the first place. Therefore, his ranking as third best is definitely appropriate."
Hm…Lady Celi is ranked second more then likely because she was the previous Maou. I'm ranked first because of my other personality's powers. Technically, it's not my own power that has me at the top, which is unfair considering how hard Wolfram would have worked to master his magic. The only magic I can use when I'm normal is healing magic, and that's not helpful in a dangerous situation.
Hm, well, perhaps I should go locate Wolfram and have a talk about this. I've actually wanted to learn to control my magic without having to transform into the Maou. Since Lady Celi is out on one of her quests for free love (And not only that, she scares me a fair amount) I think it would be suitable to request some more training from Wolfram. I hope he doesn't mind…
"Your Majesty?" I heard Günter cry in distress, since he had not noticed I had escaped. "Where are you, Sire?"
Wolfram placed a hand on either side of his hips, an eyebrow raised elegantly in skepticism. "What is with you lately? Why do you suddenly want training from me all of the time?" I had managed to find him out in gardens, staring at one of the castle walls uninterestedly, obviously with nothing better to do.
"Günter told me you were third in comparison to me and your Mother when it comes to magic," I explained to him quickly. "And I don't think I feel comfortable at the top of the scroll when I didn't even need to take the time to master my magic. So, I was just wondering whether you'd be able to show me how to use my magic without having to transform into my other personality."
"But, why?" He said bewilderedly. "As long as you have your powers as the Maou, why should it bother you? It's not like you always faint after transforming anymore, you know…"
"That's true," I acknowledged. "But, I still want to feel like I deserve to be ranked at the top! Come on, Wolfram…!"
"Yuuri, to be honest, I couldn't be bothered," He admitted grumpily. "Surely you could master it yourself?"
"I think that'd be rather hard," I told him, suddenly getting an idea. "But, I suppose there are Günter and Gwendal out there to teach me." I inwardly smirked at the agitated look he gave me. "Last chance: will you teach me?"
He gave a tired sigh. "Fine, follow me," He ordered and I did so. We walked through the numerous hallways of the castle, and Wolfram muttered things under his breath the whole way. I felt a tad awkward, so I decided to strike up conversation.
"So…just where are we going?"
Wolfram glanced back irritably, "Well, we're searching for a quiet place to train," He stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"How are we going to find a quiet place in the castle?" I wondered.
"Hmph," Wolfram scoffed, "The fact that I'm searching for one proves just how much effort I put in to please you, wimp." Damn that insult…!
Eventually we had left the inside of the castle and were out on the grounds. I followed Wolfram around to the back of the castle, since he seemed to know where he was going. He halted at the back, commanded something to the guards there who looked a little uneasy, and then they left. "Okay, sit down here," Wolfram indicated to the shady area on the ground, and I sat with my back propped against the castle wall. Wolfram sat down in front of me with his legs crossed and arms folded. "This is probably as quiet we're going to get," He stated. "Now, I'm assuming the magic you'd like to control is water, right?"
Well, I hadn't really thought about it, but water appears to be my strongest magic, so I nodded. "Yes."
"Okay. Your other personality appears whenever you become intensely angry, correct?" I nodded again. "If your regular wimpy self wants to be able to handle water magic without the need to transform, I think you'll have to focus on becoming as calm as possible." Huh? What does he mean?
"I don't understand…" I admitted blankly. Wolfram gave an exasperated sigh.
"Alright…Elemental magic is affected by the personality of the mazoku," Wolfram said slowly. "For example, my brother, Gwendal: Earth can symbolise seriousness, and a person who is solid and down-to-earth. In a panicky situation, Gwendal is able to think clearly and practically, which allows him to bring out his full potential with his element.
"Günter is Air, which can represent freshness; difference. And intelligence," He affixed. "You'll notice that though Günter is definitely a bit of an airhead in normal situations, he is capable of thinking intellectually when in a combat situation. He tends to become a lot wiser when he fights."
"Oh, yeah, I've noticed that!"
"Well, then there's me – Fire." I could practically feel my curiosity bubbling by now. "Fire is known to represent anger, which probably suits me very well," He said with grim bemusement, and I frowned. "My tutors believed I was going to become an Earth controller like my brother, but I was always having problems mastering that element. Then, one day I got frustrated with my tutors and set the curtains on fire by accident." He smirked in a satisfied sort of way, as if it was a good memory to think back upon.
"Anyway," He continued, "Your element is water, which represents serenity, kindness, and the ability to protect people when in danger. Water can also be very vicious, which explains your Maou personality," He told me reasonably. "So, in order for you to tap into your water magic, you'll have to do some meditation and completely calm yourself. Your other personality is practically the opposite of your usual self, so when you become angry, his magic reacts. I think that's how it works, anyway."
"I see," I confirmed a little confusedly, and I was still bothered by Wolfram's words. "Wolfram, fire doesn't just represent anger, you know."
Wolfram blinked. "I'm aware, but I normally use anger to tap into my magic ability."
"Are you sure?" I challenged him. I'm not sure why I feel the need to say all this, but I want to make things clear to him. "Fire does represent anger, but it can also represent passion, right?" Wolfram cocked his head to the side, obviously uncertain to where this was going. "Well, you're really passionate, right?"
"Well, I don't know," He answered honestly. "It's not like I think about these sorts of things a lot."
"You know what I think?" I said eagerly, and Wolfram narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I think your magic is stronger when you are fighting over something you're passionate about, not just when you're pissed off about something."
Wolfram rolled his eyes. "Stop spitting out this random garbage," He grumbled moodily. "We're out here to teach you how to control your magic, not to listen to your opinions about my magic, wimp." Every time I attempt to discuss things to do with him, he changes the subject. Why does he get so awkward when we talk about him? He's always so uncomfortable especially when his feelings are brought into the discussion…
"Cross your legs," He ordered, and I sighed before complying. I felt a little startled when he suddenly grabbed both of my hands and brought them together. "Now, cup them like this and hold them there." I did so, and Wolfram released my appendages. "Right. Now, just relax and try and search for the magic inside of you. Close your eyes," He added firmly.
My eyelids slid shut, but I couldn't stop the feeling of self-consciousness that let itself known. Not only was I feeling uneasy and a tad vulnerable to be sitting here with my back pressed against the wall, my eyes closed and Wolfram looking at me with those hauntingly pretty eyes of his, but the drumming inside my head from the migraine is worsening. Wait, 'hauntingly pretty eyes of his'? What the heck? Oh! Right, I'm supposed to be meditating somewhat. Okay…clearing mind…clearing mind…
But, my mind really hurts! "I've got a headache," I whined, but kept my eyes still shut. "I just keep picturing those damn papers to be signed…and I can see Gwendal glaring at me, and-"
There's something pressing on both sides of my head. Something is pressed on both sides of my head. Hands. I recognised them to be hands; really, really soft hands, and the thumbs were resting comfortably on my temples. Wait a minute…these hands must belong to Wolfram!
My eyes snapped open, just in time to see Wolfram's face drawing nearer, eyes sliding shut. His nose nearly touched mine when I raised my hands and shoved him roughly in the chest, knocking him onto his back. What the heck? Was he…was he trying to…?
Was he trying to kiss me? Oh, God…
"What the hell, Yuuri?" Wolfram cried outrageously, jumping to his feet with his face completely red. "Why did you do that?" He demanded furiously.
"Well, what were you doing?" I squeaked, flustered. Heat crept onto my face, and I attempted to fight it down. I can't believe he would have taken advantage of me like that!
He growled indignantly, "You said you had a headache, so I was actually going to use my healing magic on you! Healing magic not only would cure your headache, but it feels really nice, so it would have helped you to relax!"
"But I opened my eyes and you were…you were right there!" I exclaimed embarrassedly, my arms waving about oddly. "I was so freaked out!"
"You stupid wimp!" He cursed, seething. "My healing magic works better when a part of the person to be healed is touching my forehead, idiot! Since your forehead was what was in pain, it only seemed fitting to have my forehead pressed against it, and the magic would work even faster and more efficiently!" Oh, so that…then, he wasn't…oops…
"Oh." I felt really stupid. "Sorry."
Wolfram swore under his breath and sat back up, folding his arms grumpily. "Wimp," He said for good measure, and I shot a glowering glare at him. He 'hmph'ed. "Does your head still hurt?" He inquired, his voice softened. Well, now that I've noticed it, it seems to have intensified in pain…
"Um, yeah…" I murmured quietly, and felt his hands cupping the sides of my head gently, again. God, they're really soft, and if someone was to walk by and see this, it wouldn't look right…It would look like Wolfram was going to…
"Will you let me use my magic this time?" Wolfram requested with an almost teasing smirk, and I rolled my eyes.
"Y-yeah," I stuttered, mentally berating myself. Wolfram wouldn't have tried to kiss me, honestly! I can't believe I completely spazzed out like that, really…Wolfram's not the kind of person to take advantage of someone.
"Close your eyes," He told me firmly. Although, I thought bemusedly as his forehead pressed against my own, it did and still does look highly suspicious…I mean, here we are, hiding from spying eyes, with our foreheads pressed together and our noses brushing against each other…Oh, my face is glowing red, I just know it! Darn, I hope no one comes around…My headache is really bad…
Despite his order to close my eyes, I kept them wide open and stared. He's…so close…I can feel his warm breath…His scent…is nice…kinda like…some sweet-smelling roses…
I saw green in my vision, and as my migraine disappeared, I knew his healing magic was taking effect. Man, despite our closeness, I felt my awkwardness, pain and blush ebbing away quickly. His magic is so effective!
"Now," His voice interrupted my thoughts, "Allow the magic to calm you. Relax, and try and search for the magic inside of you. Try picturing scenes of water," He added helpfully, and I finally closed my eyes, still a little paranoid about our proximity. Okay, water…oceans…the pool my Mom keeps full so I can travel back to my house easily…hot springs…the bath…
Huh? I can see blue in my vision. A strange figure standing there, adorned in black with dark hair and dark eyes is there, too. His hair was a little longer then my own, and his eyes were narrowed. The blue was blindingly bright, and it was all I could see…The outline of that guy was still there, but his face was concealed by shadows.
"Yuuri!" My eyes snapped open at Wolfram's voice, and I glanced down when I felt something cool in my hands. It was a perfect blue sphere, shimmering and reflective like that of water. It rotated on its axis, rocking and wobbling in my hands. "It's incredible you could summon magic on your first real attempt," Wolfram commented in amazement. "That's great, wimp."
"Ha!" I cheered, and I brought my hands up to eye-level to get a better look at the sphere. "I did it! But, how do I make it take different shapes? Like, how you can make your fire turn into a lion, and-?"
The sphere gave a great tremble, and then broke free of its shape. It splashed onto my hands and into my lap, and I blinked haphazardly. "Uh…?"
"You lost concentration," Wolfram snickered and I shot him a sharp glare. "You need to remain focused on your magic if you want it to remain under your control." Well, thanks for telling me that earlier! Even if it was kinda obvious…
"Try again," Wolfram said, still smirking in that, 'Oh-Well-I-Am-Definitely-Better-Than-An-Idiot-Like-You' way. He placed his hands on either side of my face again, pressed his forehead against my own and green once again covered my vision. It was a lot easier to concentrate with his magic to ease me…It feels really good…
"Your Majesty!" Shrieked a voice that I immediately recognised to be Günter's, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Uh-oh, he's found me. "Your Highness! What are you doing out here, and with Wolfram for that matter?" He demanded incredulously. "Wh-why were you so close? Why are you still so close?" He corrected in alarm, and I noticed Wolfram was still cupping the sides of my head while he faced Günter with an irritated look on his face. "Your…Your Majesty…why are you…? Why are you w-wet?"
I stared at him, and then slowly my eyes trailed down to my wet pants. I paled. "Günter…" I started, knowing that this looked so wrong. He finds Wolfram and I alone, with Wolfram's hands and forehead against my face while my pants are soaked. Oh, God, no…!
However, before I said anything else, his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fell onto the ground, flat on his back.
"Looks like he fainted," Wolfram stated with obvious amusement. I cried out in frustration and pushed Wolfram away, hurrying over to where Günter lay unconscious.
"Günter!" I yelled desperately, shaking the poor man. "Günter? Günter!"
"We should get him back to the castle and find Gisela to take care of him," Wolfram said wisely, approaching Günter and I. "You know…" He smiled almost slyly. "When he awakens, they're going to ask what caused him to faint so unexpectedly. And he'll probably say something like, 'Oh, well, I caught His Highness and Lord Wolfram out behind the castle, and they were doing…!'-"
"Don't you even joke about that!" I cried with a furious blush painted on my features. I leered at him angrily, heaving Günter's arm across my shoulder and I got to my feet, feeling weighed down. "Now, help me get Günter back into the castle," I requested as politely as possible, causing Wolfram to bristle.
"Pathetic little wimp," He insulted moodily, assisting me with getting my white-haired teacher back inside the castle.
"Don't call me a wimp," I snapped tiredly, not quite able to muster enough heat to actually sound irritated. This has become ridiculous…I think I'll stop this whole learning-to-understand-Wolfram thing for a while so I can recover from this incident. And hopefully so that Günter can recover, too. If he can.
Author's Notes: I read on wikipedia (I love that thing) that Wolfram's magic is second only to Yuuri's. I was like, 'Huh? Really? YAY!' and I did an odd wiggle-of-a-dance. I decided Celi is more appropriate to be second, though, so I stuck Wolfram as third. Also, I hope you guys weren't confused with Wolfram's explanation about Yuuri's magic and such. If you're confused, don't worry; Yuuri's still a little confused, too!
Next chapter is called The Cachinnation.
Well, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Makes sure you give me a REVIEW!
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