Four: Lilac

Berias was highly displeased with himself. He had not judged his shot as accurately as he should have. The arrow had gone far too close to his young king's heart for him to sit easy.

Nearly twelve hours has passed since the man had fired that critical shot, but Saralegui had yet to stir. Berias' anxiety only increased with each passing second of complete stillness apart from the tiniest rise and fall of the boy's chest as he breathed. Saralegui, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...

What would he have done, if he'd accidentally killed his master, his king, his beloved's only child?

The only viable course of action would have been to commit suicide, to die by his own hand. Pure luck was the only thing that kept Saralegui breathing. If luck had not been on his side, if fate had not smiled on them, the crown prince of Seisakoku and King of Shou Shimaron would be dead.

Berias swore, for perhaps the twentieth time since he and his king had returned to the palace, that he would never, ever perform such a risky task again. Not even on Saralegui's orders.

He would not have the right to live once the nobles of Shou Shimaron found out that he was the one who had assassinated their king, Nor would he be able to live with the knowledge that he had killed Princess – no, Queen Alazon's son.

It had been more than a decade since Berias had needed to use his powers for healing. He'd never been quite as adept in the healers' craft as he was in battle magic, and in his time with Saralegui, he'd always left him in the charge of the palace doctors. This time, though, he didn't dare to. Skilled as the palace's healers were, the king was now extremely weak, and a single wrong move could snuff out his life force. Even now, there were still people unscrupulous enough to do such a thing on purpose within the castle. Berias may have let the doctors take care of the more superficial injuries, but he wasn't going to take any chances with the houryoku healers.

Taking a deep breath, he laid both palms onto Saralegui's bandaged chest, closing his eyes in concentration. Slowly, he directed his power to his hands, taking extra pains to make sure it would not form a destructive ball of fire but stayed in threads of raw houryoku. Soon, a soft white glow emanated from where his hands made contact with the boy's torso.

Barely had the triumphant satisfaction made itself felt when surprise and confusion took over. Saralegui's body was… empty. That was the only way he could think of to describe it. Berias couldn't sense the brilliant blue aura the king normally possessed; the boy's life force was a dim golden flicker, far different from the bright fire it should have been. Even after taking into account Saralegui's current poor state of health, this was really quite alarming –

His power was flowing away from him, far faster than it should, and the sudden loss of such a huge amount of his houryoku made Berias' head spin. Healing didn't normally take so much out of him. He tried to reduce the rate of the flow, but strangely, his own power ignored him and continued draining away.

Lightheadedness clouded his mind, making him unable to think rationally, and panic began setting in. Berias made a desperate attempt to pull his hands away from Saralegui and end the healing process. It was in vain; an irrevocably strong force held his hands fast. His power continued pouring away into the young king's body.

Faintness was taking over when, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Saralegui's fingers move slightly. Another finger twitched, and his eyelids quivered; he was waking up at last… Berias could feel his consciousness flickering, but he would not collapse, he would not…

Just as suddenly as it had taken hold, the mysterious force loosened its grip, and Berias fell back on his knees. He was panting harshly and more drained than he could ever remember being, but at least he was conscious. Mustering his strength, he looked up to see what had become of his king.

Saralegui's huge gold eyes blinked slowly at him. "Berias…" he whispered.

The guard's breath was still coming painfully hard in his chest, but he still managed to gasp, "Your Majesty!" His anxiety, his guilt, his relief, all summed up in those two words…

"Berias…?" repeated the boy a few seconds later, apparently not completely sure if he was truly awake.

"Sir," answered his guard again.

Saralegui tried and failed to smile. "Just as I expected of you… you did a fine job."

A fine job? What fine job? I nearly killed you! A knock on the door interrupted him before he could voice his protests. Receiving a nod from the young king, he went to see who had come.

The Maou's bodyguard stood outside, patiently waiting for an answer to his knock. Why is he here? Did something happen to the Maou? Berias kept his voice even as he greeted the man, "Lord Weller."

"How is King Saralegui doing?" inquired the brunette politely, as Berias stepped out of his master's room and closed the door behind him.

Berias faced him. "He has just opened his eyes." He conveniently neglected to mention the intensive healing that had taken place. "What about King Yuuri?"

"He's fine," replied Weller. "In fact, he was more concerned about King Saralegui's well-being." His voice had more than a touch of wry humor in it. "He said he wished to meet hm."

Obviously, the man was referring to Saralegui. Berias considered for a moment. Saralegui should be fine now, but I'd prefer if he could take a rest... Then again, he probably wants to see the Maou. Perhaps a quick visit? "As long as it's fast, I have no complaints," he said at last.

Weller's eyes had an odd look in them, almost sympathetic but still guarded, with barely-concealed suspicion lurking behind. "You're worried too, aren't you?"

He knows that I was the one who shot my king. The Shinzoku guard met the brunette's gaze squarely, his face was a mask, neutral and impassive, giving nothing away though inwardly his instincts were screaming that this man was dangerous. He's always been dangerous. Now he's not just dangerous, but even more suspicious of Saralegui and I than before. I cannot let him confirm his suspicions, no matter what.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few minutes later, the Mazoku king and his retainers arrived to see Saralegui. Berias had already informed the blonde of the impending visit, and the young king was now wearing his tinted glasses, though his eyes were closed as if in sleep.

Weller was supporting the pajama-clad soukoku as he made his way over to Saralegui's bedside. If it were Saralegui, he'd rather use a walking stick than lean on someone else, thought Berias. King Yuuri isn't afraid to appear weak.

"Sara," began the dark-haired boy. At the voice, the blonde king opened his eyes, his lips curving in a small smile.

Berias still couldn't understand how his king could have allowed this boy to be so familiar with him. 'Saralegui', without any honorifics, was already more than most people could ask for. But 'Sara'…? Then again, he would not question how Saralegui's mind worked. If this would make the Maou more open to him, then so be it.

Yuuri's hands gently covered the blonde's, which were folded on his chest. "I'm sorry, Sara. You're… because of me, you're in so much pain right now…"

"You are the one who saved me first, Yuuri. I only did what I could to return the favor," replied Saralegui. His voice was still weak, but Berias heard it clearly. He is trying to win the Mazoku's hearts…? Why? Their Maou is already in love with him. As if in confirmation, Yuuri's hands tightened on Saralegui's, his expression serious.

Apparently disregarding this, the blonde continued, "Dai Shimaron's army has withdrawn. It should be easier for you to escape now." The soukoku stiffened, about to say something, but Saralegui spoke first. "The ship is ready. You should leave before dawn breaks."

"But…" Yuuri began to protest.

"He's right," interrupted one of his retainers, the soukoku with spectacles. "Staying here will only create more conflict for this country."

The Maou looked troubled. "But what about Sara?"

"I'll be fine," reassured Saralegui. "You don't have to worry about me."

"But…" began Yuuri again, still not giving up.

"The situation here is changing, so things are unstable," explained the blonde quietly. "Because of that, it would be best if you weren't around."

Yuuri's eyes widened in shock at the blunt dismissal, but Saralegui smiled at him again. "Please, do this for me."

"Sara…" The soukoku's face was sad, but he seemed to accept that he would have to leave his new friend.

The blonde glanced at Berias. "Take care of the preparations. Unfortunately, since I cannot see them off… you will go in my place."

"Sir," acknowledged the guard. He was used to being Saralegui's representative, though he was not a state official qualified to represent the country's ruler. Saralegui trusted him much more than any of his officials; that much was plain to everyone at court.

Yuuri hurried to reassure the blonde king. "It's fine with us, Sara. You must rest; then you'll recover quickly! When you are healthy again, come visit Shin Makoku, okay?"

Saralegui only smiled. "Of course."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A short time later, Berias was supervising the preparations as the Mazoku boarded a ship. The skies were still dark; it was four hours before dawn.

Weller was carrying a protesting Yuuri on his back as he walked up the gangway. "I said I'll be fine! I can walk on my own…"

"No. Please let me do this," replied the man, not relinquishing his hold as he continued upwards.

Saralegui would never allow me or anyone else to do such a thing, thought Berias with a touch of envy. He is too proud, that boy. It must have come from Alazon. He doesn't really understand what it is to be young, to be a child whose mistakes are easily overlooked… everything he does must be calculated.

"Conrad, can you put me down?" Berias could just hear the faint voice of the Maou from aboard ship. He watched as the pajama-clad soukoku joined his retainers at the side of the ship facing the land.

"I'm sorry, Sara." Yuuri was speaking again, so softly that Berias had to strain to catch his words.

The dark-haired guard kept his face emotionless as Weller also looked down, though the Mazoku's gaze was directed at him. He was probably trying to see if Berias would react to the Maou's words, but if that were the case, he was trying in vain. Berias was a master of the poker face; he met Weller's eyes squarely.

A wind caught the ship's sails, snapping them tight and making the ship strain against its moorings. Berias nodded to the harbormaster to cast the ship off. A few minutes later, the Mazoku were on their way, borne by the tide as well as the wind.

If Saralegui has his way, we will be seeing each other again in the near future. His duty done, Berias motioned to his companion man-at-arms to bring their small boat back to shore.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the morning, at a much more decent hour, he went to see Saralegui. The first thing the boy asked him was, "How was Yuuri?"

Of course he wouldn't care about the other Mazoku, only Yuuri. "He has made a safe departure," answered Berias.

"I see." Saralegui closed his eyes for a moment, his expression changing slightly.

Perhaps he regrets his actions? His guilt for injuring the boy was still strong. Seeing an opportunity, Berias knelt next to his king's bed. "Your Majesty."

"What's the matter, Berias?" The blonde's voice was still hoarse. It made the guard feel even worse.

"Please forgive me." Berias didn't need to say for what – Saralegui would know.

"There is no need for you to feel guilty," rasped the boy. "You only did what was meant to be done."

The man all but cringed at the reminder. I will never do such a thing again, even if it's an order from you!

Saralegui was still speaking. "Dai Shimaron and Shin Makoku's mutual aversion to each other is now definite because of you. I've even become friends with Yuuri now…"

Berias frowned. There it was again, the whole becoming friends with Yuuri thing.

"You've done well, Berias," finished the blonde. He actually sounded sincere.

The guard couldn't restrain his questions anymore. "Why?" he demanded. When Saralegui didn't reply immediately, he got to his feet, facing the boy directly. "Why are you going so far to do this?" he repeated. "If you wish to use the Maou, all you need to do is use your power on him. Why are you choosing to put your life in danger instead?"

"Because it's more fun this way." Saralegui's voice was perfectly serious.

It was rare that Berias got destructive impulses. He was usually a calm and collected swordsman, fighting for the sake of fighting, not for the joy of destruction. But at this point, he wanted nothing more than to strangle the boy king of Shou Shimaron. Does he think it's really all a game? Does he truly value his life so little? Does he actually believe that nobody worries about whether he lives or dies?

"Yuuri is a rather… interesting… person," continued the blonde, staring out of the window. Glancing back at the man, he added, "I find him to be very… intriguing…"

The large golden eyes were sincere. Berias sighed inwardly. He will believe what he wants to believe, nothing else. I cannot tell him that I can see he is softening towards Yuuri; he would only close up again. Aloud, he said, "Your healing is not complete. If it is alright with Your Majesty…"

Saralegui smiled, clearly amused at the way he tried to change the subject. "Okay."

This time, the healing went much more smoothly. There was no strange force pulling his houryoku into Saralegui's body, though he could feel the deep exhaustion that permeated the boy's entire body. Now he was the one pushing his power into the blonde, disregarding his own body's protests at the loss of his newly-recovered houryoku.

Sweat was starting to bead on his forehead when Saralegui spoke. "That's enough, Berias." When the man ignored him, he went on, "You'll end up passing out again…"

Berias would have continued ignoring his king, but then there was a knock on the door, and he quickly ended the healing. The people here didn't know he could heal.

"What is it?" asked the boy.

A man-at-arms came into the room. "Messengers from Dai Shimaron have arrived."

Saralegui's eyes narrowed. "Understood."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In spite of Berias' weak, apathetic protests that he shouldn't be up yet, Saralegui received the messengers in his throne room as protocol demanded – albeit still wearing his pajamas as there had been no time to change into more appropriate clothes. Naturally, Berias accompanied him.

This time, there were three men. Two had come before; the Shinzoku guard recognized them. The third was swathed in a black cloak that cast his face in shadow. He also had an oddly familiar aura, but Berias just could not seem to place it.

"I believe you know why we have come here, King Saralegui," began one of the messengers, who was clad in white.

"Tell us where the Maou is currently located," added his purple-cloaked companion.

"No. First, tell us what the Maou was doing here in Shou Shimaron," demanded the one in white.

There was a short pause before Saralegui answered. "He came to threaten me," he announced, his tone almost sad – as though what he'd just said were true.

"Threaten you?" repeated the purple messenger.

Saralegui bowed his head slightly. "The Maou tried to force me into betraying Dai Shimaron and joining Shin Makoku's alliance." His voice was quiet, and Berias noticed that the boy's eyes were unnaturally bright. He wasn't surprised. Saralegui had always been able to produce tears whenever he needed them.

"Do you really expect us to believe that?" asked the white-clad messenger indignantly.

"That's why I tricked him into coming out with me – so that I could hand him over to you," explained the blonde, his expression hurt that they had not believed him. "And yet…" He put a hand to his heart, where he'd been wounded – supposedly by Dai Shimaron's arrow, though of course it was Berias'.

Both messengers tensed at the unspoken accusation. "Dai Shimaron was not responsible for unleashing that arrow!" exclaimed one.

"What an insult!" added the other, furious. "Are you implying that we did it?"

"Not at all," replied Saralegui, his mask not slipping in the slightest though Berias knew that his plan for emotional blackmail had just been foiled. The young king reached for his spectacles. "I'm sure that the arrow was just another part of the Maou's conspiracy against us."

What are you doing? You don't have the power! Inwardly, Berias was protesting violently; outwardly, he did nothing, nor could he do anything. If this doesn't work…

"He wanted to tear Dai Shimaron and Shou Shimaron apart," stated the blonde, lowering the violet-tinted lenses to his lap. Power built up, making the air hum; Saralegui's eyes slowly began to glow bright blue. "You think the same as I do, don't you?"

The two messengers started, staring wide-eyed into Saralegui's relentless blue gaze. Berias glanced sharply at the last messenger – he seemed unaffected. This man may be trouble, if Lanzhil is truly his master. I doubt it. That aura is not normal houryoku.

"However, all that he has done to me is in vain," continued Saralegui. "My loyalties to Dai Shimaron and to King Lanzhil have not changed in the slightest."

Berias smiled inwardly. There was no loyalty to begin with.

"I – I see that very clearly now!" The messenger in purple turned to his companion. "What foul play these Mazoku are willing to stoop down to!"

The white-clad messenger nodded in agreement. "We will relay the integrity of your admirable loyalty to King Lanzhil at once," he declared.

Saralegui smiled. "Thank you."

Both messengers bowed and turned to leave, striding out of the hall without bothering about their third companion. Berias' suspicion deepened. Who exactly is this person? He is clearly not Lanzhil's, or he'd have left with them. No, he must have come on his own agenda.

His young master replaced his spectacles, smirking slightly in triumph. Upon doing so, he caught sight of the remaining black-clad man, and his eyes widened in shock. He recovered quickly, however, and commented, "It seems that my power doesn't work on you."

When the man did not reply immediately, Saralegui raised his eyebrows in curiosity. "A houjutsu user, are you? Why don't you come and work for me? I will be able to make greater use of your powers than Lanzhil ever could."

Clearly the blonde had also sensed the odd aura this man exuded. Could he be a Shinzoku? No, that cannot be. Pr- Queen Alazon sealed our borders and forbade the Shinzoku from leaving while she was not there to protect the land.

"Thank you for your kind invitation, but I will have to decline," answered the man in black.

"Why?" Saralegui sat forwards in his seat; he was obviously interested in this person. "It's not as if you feel any allegiance to Dai Shimaron." The man twitched, and Saralegui added, "Lanzhil isn't your master."

Propping his elbow on the throne's armrest, the blonde rested his head on his hand, considering the man before him. After a few seconds, he sat up straight again. "Never mind. It's a shame to have you go, but I won't press the subject… Berias? See him to the front doors."

"Sir," acknowledged the guard. The man excused himself, and they both made their way to the exit.

Even as he closed the doors behind him, Berias heard Saralegui remark, "One of the Ravens has flown its way in here…"

Ravens. Suddenly, everything seemed to fall into place. He's a Raven! No wonder his aura is so reminiscent of Alazon's. It is her houryoku infusing him.

(Flashback)

"Berias, when the time comes, I will need your help," said Alazon, her face serious.

The dark-haired man nodded. Anything for you. "I will do all that is in my power to assist you." He wasn't used to speaking so formally, but Alazon was now married and Queen of Shou Shimaron, not to mention still retaining her own birthright as princess of Seisakoku. Even as childhood friends, there suddenly seemed to be a huge distance between them.

Alazon leaned on the windowsill, allowing the wind to toss her long blonde hair and tease her billowing sleeves. "My sister…she is not strong. I will have to return eventually. But while I am in Shou Shimaron with Gilbert, I will begin the search for the Holy Sword."

"You will return with him to his country?" To say Berias was surprise would be a grave understatement. He was reeling. She's leaving?! I'll never see her again –!

"Yes. While Alina is still able to rule – to keep the barriers up, to prevent detection – I must seize this opportunity." Her eyes were sad, but he could just see the steel of determination in them. "It will be a hard road to walk. I must be strong… I cannot wait here in the sheltered roof of my house, where every person in this land is willing to give his life in place of mine. The Holy Sword is not for such a person as I am now."

She is a true ruler. The dark-haired man said nothing; there was nothing appropriate to say.

Alazon continued staring into the distance, her face set. "If it so happens that I am called back before Saralegui grows, I ask that you look after him for me."

Berias bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

It was the first time he had ever referred to her by her title when they were in private.

~~~~X~~~~

Dear Berias,

The official notification of Alina's death has finally reached me. I must return immediately for the coronation. Your letter concerning the same event reached two weeks prior and I have already carried out most of the preparations.

I call upon the promise you made to me on the day I left Seisakoku – please look after Saralegui for me.

Signed,

Alazon, Queen of Shou Shimaron and Princess of Seisakoku

~~~~X~~~~

The queen had left the palace for more than a week by the time Berias arrived in the capital of Shou Shimaron. He used the letter Alazon had written to vouch for him to gain an audience with King Gilbert.

"Take care of Saralegui." Gilbert had said that to him. So had Alazon herself. He fully intended to carry out his orders.

He found the prince after a long stroll through the palace trying to find a boy with the pale blonde hair and gold eyes he remembered seeing in the baby Alazon used to rock to sleep. The moment he laid eyes on the child sitting on his haunches next to the flowerbeds watching a pair of mating butterflies, though, he knew.

The tiny child had hair of the exact same shade as that of Alazon's – that shimmery, sleek, ash blonde hair he still remembered clear as day. No one possessed such distinctive, lustrous locks but the Shinzoku royalty. Upon moving closer, the boy snapped around in surprise, wide amber eyes behind purple-tinted spectacles. He's a prince of Seisakoku, without a doubt.

"Prince Saralegui." The man knelt. "My name is Berias. I swear my eternal allegiance to you."

~~~~X~~~~

Alazon replied to Berias' first letter, telling her of his successful appointment into the position of Saralegui's personal bodyguard, with an order not to continue their correspondence. Crestfallen, the man had no choice but to follow his queen's command. Half a decade went past with no news from Seisakoku. Then, a letter came.

Dear Berias,

I have sealed the borders of Seisakoku and left it to search for the Holy Sword. Our land is one devastated by famine through drought and poor harvests; death's touch lingers on everything I see. I must carry out my duty as Queen and save this land, no matter how arduous the task.

My son is still not of age. I ask that you continue to stay by his side. He is one born of two races; he may the potential to wield the Holy Sword and save our country. For now, I will restart the search. We will succeed; we must succeed.

Signed,

Alazon, Queen of Seisakoku and Shou Shimaron

Three years later, another letter arrived.

Dear Berias,

The search up to this point has been so slow and on such a small scale that it is almost negligible. However, with a houseki of memories left behind of a certain researcher named Janus, I have recreated the man. He will live for perhaps another five years, given the amount of houryoku I have infused him with to suffice as life-force.

This Janus has proved to be extremely helpful thus far. He was the leader of a group called the White Raven in his time; I have begun to recruit new members for this group. Once it is large enough, we will be able to obtain all enchanted swords worldwide and from them find our Holy Sword.

I aim to possess the Holy Sword by the time Saralegui turns eighteen.

Signed,

Alazon, Queen of Seisakoku and Shou Shimaron

(End Flashback)

A Raven. That explained everything. The swordsman was dissatisfied with himself; how could he not have realized earlier?

Then again, how did Saralegui know when he himself did not know? Berias made a mental note of it, resolving to ask the boy about the matter.

Suddenly, the Raven behind him spoke. "So you are Sir Berias."

"Do you find that a problem?" The man's tone had been odd, maybe even mocking in the way he seemed to know something that Berias did not. In the knowledge that this person was under Alazon's control, Berias allowed himself the liberty of responding to the challenge.

"No," replied the man. "I've merely heard some time before that you were Shou Shimaron's best swordsman."

Heard from Alazon, I'm sure. You must be of high standing, to control King Lanzhil on Alazon's orders and come here to see her son. Berias kept his thoughts to himself; it didn't seem that the man was about to reveal his purpose in coming – yet.

The Raven was still talking. "Not only did you excel at the sword – you were also a master of other forms of combat sports. Such as… yes… archery, for instance."

Berias frowned but did not change his pace in the least. He knows – no, he suspects. As long as he has no proof, it won't matter… I don't know if he feels this information is worth giving to Lanzhil, but it's always best not to take chances.

The footsteps behind him paused. "This is…"

Turning, the swordsman found the cloaked man beholding the portrait of King Gilbert. "I assume this is the previous king, His Majesty Gilbert?"

"Yes," answered Berias.

"I don't see much resemblance… between him and King Saralegui," he commented, his voice as bland as milk.

Berias did not reply. This man is just trying to instigate a reaction from me. I will not give him the pleasure of one.

They walked in silence for the most of the remainder of their journey. When the exit came into view along with the other two messengers from Dai Shimaron and their horses, though, the Raven spoke again. "I was entrusted with some correspondence for you."

Taking the letter the man held out, Berias bowed. "Thank you very much for your trouble." The black-cloaked man nodded.

As soon as the three messengers were out of sight, Berias broke the seal on the letter and unfolded it.

Dear Berias,

At long last, we have found our Holy Sword. I will meet you – and Saralegui – very soon.

Signed,

Alazon, Queen of Seisakoku, Dowager Queen of Shou Shimaron

For the first time in a long time, Berias felt his lips curve in a smile. He would see his beloved soon.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Right, I know it's a very late update (heck, it's almost a month) and nobody's exactly happy that they've waited ages for something that isn't anywhere as great as the previous chapters. You're probably demanding, why isn't this in Sara's POV?! 'cause we've all learnt how to love Sara by reading this ficcy. But really, Berias' POV was necessary.

See, for most of episode 99 (which this is based on), Saralegui was indisposed. And Berias was involved in a lot more things than our dear blonde was. Additionally, I needed to establish exactly what the relationship between Alazon, Berias and Saralegui is in this ficcy, since I watched the latest episodes (111/112) and they didn't turn out the way I thought they would (i.e. this ficcy). Well, I did say this was going to be loosely based on the anime. :-X so there it is; they aren't siblings but lovers… or more like Berias had a super crush on Alazon but she didn't realize 'cause she was too busy thinking about Seisakoku and Gilbert… –coughs– From here on, this ficcy will be increasingly AU from the anime, so get ready for the ride and for very late updates. –gets shot–

Reviews make me feel loved and my plot bunnies reproduce. Please Review!