Chapter 3: I'm not the Maoh
Yuri's POV
"Wolfram."
Without a thought of hesitation, my legs immediately tear across the concrete floor, devouring anything that dare to cross my path. Rain started to pour, lightning could be heard from miles away, and a dark evil aura surrounded my body.
I swear on my throne, if someone had hurt him, they were going to pay dearly and with their life. Their pathetic little lives. Ever since my coming of age ceremony, I wouldn't hesitate to kill those who oppose or seem a threat to me and this was no exception.
I follow the painful sobs that eventually lead me to an abandon alley just south of the main trading harbor. As I made my way inside, my boot instantly connect with a wet substance. I imagine it would be the rainfall, but to my shock and rage, the mysterious liquid that I step on was no other than blood. Puddles and puddles worth of it.
On the other side of the deserted alleyway, just yards away from me, fractions of a figure scamper away from the crime scene, but that didn't go unnoticed by me. I was about to lunge at it, until I made contact with something lying in the shadow, the source of the bloodshed.
I quickly sprint toward the shadow just inches away from the rag body. Now there was nothing I wanted more than my assumption to be incorrect. But, even through all the blood and cuts; I could easily identify that it was none other than the angel I met this morning.
As gently as I could, I first check his pulse. "Good he's still alive. I'm not too late" I sigh in relief. "But, his breathing's off."
Carefully maneuvering one of my arms under his neck and another underneath his legs; I lifted his in my arms, bridal style.
"Ughh" he stirred in pain as some salty raindrops plummet in his deep cuts.
As quickly as I could, I made my way toward castle ground with Wolfram in my hand obviously in agony. On the way, I said a little prayer to myself.
"Please be okay. "Please be okay Wolfram."
Typically calculated the distance from the alley to the castle could have been at least a 30 minutes' jog for any typical Mazoku, but I manage to get there in less than 10 minutes with the hurting blond in hand. Though it seems like eternity.
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"Someone, get Gisela" I screech at some soldiers and guards. "Ah, this is so frustrating, where's a healer when you need one?"
I tighten my grip on Wolfram. I was worry, he stop moving almost minutes ago. This situation is madding; I can't do a thing to help. Is it dangerous for his him to be unconscious? Was I too late, could he be already dead? Questions started whacking my head. "Ahh, I hate this, where is that women?"
From the far corner of my eye, I spotted the healer. "Your majesty, your majesty," cried the green hair lady caring a medical bag in her hand. Instantly her expressions change from worry to shock when she spots the dying or possibly dead figure in my arms.
"Please gently lay him on the ground" she orders taking out some medical stuff from her bag. I quickly obey. I know this situation is dangerous; it's a matter of life or death.
Without a moment to spare, she places both her hands on his chest, making me flinch a little, and then a green glow begins encircling his beaten body. Slowly but effectively the deep wounds begin to reduce to nothing more than few scratches. After a couple of minutes, the green light begins to weaken; then faded away.
Gisela on the other hand looked as pale as a ghost. 'She must have use too much of her maryoku' I thought.
"Dacascos, escort Gisela to her room. She needs rest" I order the bald soldier standing guard. "R-right away Heika" He took her by the arm and half help half drag her away.
I looked at the peaceful body lying on the ground, anger suddenly rush over me. How can someone hurt someone so, so weak, so, delicate, so fragile?
I carefully picked up the frail body on the earth and carry him across the training grounds to my chamber, laying him on my bed. I sat on one of the cushions nearest to the bed.
He looks so angelic and peaceful; I wonder how this happen in the first place. But, one thing's for sure, when I get my hands on the fiend that hurt him, I'll make sure that person regrets they were ever born. Justice!
Then another thought struck my flow of thoughts. What is he won't accept me? I am the Demon King, and he's just a peasant. Damn you Murata you're the one that's getting me confuse like this. But, I think of him as so much more; I can't explain it, he's just special, I just want him to be happy and never get hurt. I just want to be by his side and protect him, forever.
'Remember Yuu-Chan, love at first sight does exist and that's call true love.' Eco his late mother's voice.
Could this really be true love? He never been a relationship before, mostly because he'd just push them all away, but this feeling, he'd like it. No, this can't be his fate, he will make Wolfram love him, little by little until nothing, not even sociably will matter.
'Yes, but he can't find out I'm the Maoh, not yet.' There's no rush, let him take his time. But, first we need to get close.'
"Ugh, ugh" stirred the blond. Seconds later emerald green eyes flung open.
"Where am I? Am I dead?" ask the confuse bishounen. He'd tried to sit up, but fail miserably so he just end up rolling his body to face me, sapping him of all his strength. Emerald eyes lock on my disguise contact lens.
Gulp. Gosh how am I going to explain this to him?
Wolfram's POV
My body hurts, my head hurts, and everything burns. Funny, I'd always thought I'd see mother in heaven, and I don't remember doing anything wrong that'll get me kick in hell. Where am I?
"You're awake" ask a familiar voice across the room. I turn around and saw someone sitting on a chair, arms cross, head held up high.
I looked at him with confusion written all over my face "Yuri", I finally utter.
"You really shouldn't talk; you're still recovering."
He gracefully walks over to my bed and lean down so we were face to face and look me in the eye. I didn't know what he was going to do, so out of instant I franticly shut my eye lids, waiting for what was going to happen next.
"Ha", came a silent chuckle. Then I felt a cold hand glides its way across my face and pulls back a loose strand of hair from the back of my head.
I could feel a blush sneaking its way onto my face. I stared at him; I had million of questions, but my tongue curl up one of the biggest mystery in my head.
"Who are you" I ask. Yuri looked at me like I just ask the most obvious question in Shin Makuko.
"Why, I'm Yuri Sh of course. I'm not related from any of the big important family or anything; I'm just a trader trying to earn a living in the Demon kingdom. What about you, I don't know anything about you except your name's Wolfram.
I was staring at him blankly, how did he managed to change my question into a question headed back at me. "Uhh." How can he says he's just a trader; when I'm near him I can feel his dark and powerful aura; I may be gullible, but he is differently not just a nobody.
When I finally regain all my senses once more I begin to ask more questions; I mean shouldn't I be dead? "Were you the one that save me?"
"Well, yes I was on my way to the castle when I spotted you lying on the ground soaked in blood. The healer at the castle was especially caring and heals you; she said to put you in one of the spare rooms and told me to surveillance you and tell you to rest. But, Wolfram, tell me how were you in that predicament and who did that to you. That person should be charge for almost killing you."
He did it again, but should I just tell him the truth; somehow he just seems, trustworthy. But, I remembered that I probably shouldn't mention Sara's name or that fiend would probably swear vengeance on my small family. And making him the 1st son of a wealthy man doesn't really help. "Alright, here's what happen."
- Flashback -
Sara raises the full length leather rope and forcefully bought it down against Wolfram's shoulder stilting almost a foot of flesh; causing the blond to crumble on the wooden surface, hands over his bleeding stomach.
"Wolfram" cried the two brothers. They knew what was going to happen next because once Sararegi was in his death mode, there's no way of stopping him. They both knew if they could hide their innocent little brother for now; then there's still a chance that he'd make it out alive.
"Conrad do you still remember what we talked about this afternoon", mumble Gwendal running at full speed. Not too far behind "Yes, Sara was planning to kill him all along. We should have force him to quit" reply the other brother almost tripping over his own two legs.
When they were just a couple of mere feet away from the pool of blood; Sara's bodyguard, Berius jump out of nowhere standing between them and their brother's death; both arms arm with two of the finest swords money can buy.
"Please Berius" shook Conrad. "This is our brother." But the solder glare at them, emotionless, the words remain meaningless.
They were block but even if there were two of them; Berius is one of the best swordsman in Shin Makuko, next to the Demon King himself, and they weren't even arm. If only Conrad had his sword he could have stalls Berius, giving them just enough time for Gwendal to grab Wolfram and make a run for it.
"Help, please" shriek the terror from the other side. He was bleeding, blood covered him from head to toe, and Sara was still whipping him with a satisfy grin adoring his face. How can someone be so heartless?
-SPAP-
The whip broke in two, leaving a very disappointed Sara and two relieve brothers. But, just when it looks like the terror was about to stop and the demon would return their brother.
"Looks like I have to do the dirty work. Now where should I depose of him?" Sara ask the terrify brothers; who didn't notice that their brother haven't move for the last couple of minutes. Now he looked completely dead, lifeless, gone.
Sara took Wolfram by the collar making sure to get as little blood get on his hand as possible and began dragging his motionless body away from the harbor and toward his grave.
"Wolfram" cried the two brothers. Both were on the edge of tears; they just watch their brother die before their eyes and they were just feet away to stop it. Right after they promise their late mother to watch over him and protect him until the day they die. "Wolfram" they moan.
- Flashback -
"So" ask the shock unknown Maoh "you still never told me who did this to you. You keep using, 'that person', or 'him' when you're addressing that person. I want to know his name" complain the furious disguise double black.
"I-I can't tell you. I'll get in trouble" He couldn't tell, Yuri seem trustworthy, but his guts just told him to keep his mouth shut. If his brothers would be in danger because of him; then let Shinou tear him limb from limb.
"Why not? How will you get in trouble Wolfram?" ask the concern voice beside the bed. They were even closer now; Yuri was practically hovering over him.
"I just can't you Yuri. I'll endanger those I love and I won't take the chance." "But, tell me where am I." I ask, but his eyes quickly change to sadness and stare at me with a hurt expression on his handsome face. Did I say something wrong?
Obviously he took it the wrong way because what he said next almost made me break out and laugh my butt off.
"Oh, I didn't know you have a lover Wolfram." He mumbles his voice full of regret and sorrow.
I stared at him, then blink, then blink again, and blink for the third time trying to take sense in what he just said. Did he think I had a…?
A long "Ohhh" could be heard echoing the room. At first I chuckle softly to myself, but after looking at Yuri's confuse expression, my laughter could be heard from outside the well carve thick door. "Yuri, ha, I don't have a lover; I was talking about my brothers" I snicker.
His expression change from retrieve to happy, then to… love? Yuri is one mysterious person; I know there are a lot of things I probably don't know about him, but I don't thinks he's your everyday peasant. After I finally regain my breath, "So Yuri, you never answer my question."
"Huh" he looked at me, still deep in thoughts "We're at Blood Pledge Castle and you're in one of the spare rooms." (They're in Yuri's room)
"W-What" I panic. "What are we doing at Blood Pledge Castle, what were you doing at the castle?"
He hesitated for a bit, but he manage to collect his thoughts, "I'm a trader Wolfram. I was selling some swords to some of the lords at the castle." He replied almost too perfectly.
"But, but I can't afford to stay here. I-I have to leave right now" I quickly threw the blankets off myself, and tried to make a jump for the door, but something firmly grab hold of my wrist and forcefully toast me back on the large 4 post bed.
"You are not getting up from that spot" his eyes burn with furry when he spoke. I could only stare; I just want to run and hide, but his eyes soften when he saw my fear.
"Are you aright Wolfram, but the healer said you should take it easy for the next couple of days. Don't worry the lords and ladies at the castle already approve of your stay, so you don't have to feat." I think he tried to apologize between one of the sentences, but I guess he couldn't get himself to do so.
"But, Yuri, my brothers think I'm dead! And, I've already rest enough; I can't stay here, I'm already too much in everybody's dept. You've saved my life and I'm especially thankful toward you, but I don't have even a cent in my pocket to pay you. I'm sorry Yuri; I don't have anything to give.
He looked at me, dumb fold; "Wolfram" was all he could say. "Listen Wolfram, I'm just glad I could safe someone as humble as you. You don't really own me anything, and I don't want your money. (Maybe because I already have too much)
He could see that I was not convinced. "Alright fine, you have been resting for a while now; I guess if we have you examine by the healer first then I guess you can return to your brothers.
I was so glad to fling my arms around his neck and gave him a squeeze; at which he froze at. Even I was shock at my actions and blush furiously. "Sorry" I apologize.
He remained frozen until after a couple of minutes he snaps out of it. He just smiles softly at me; his eyes were so lonely though, just looking at them I wanted to hug him again. Even though my life's not as great as a king; I'm still happy with just being with my brothers. I pity him.
I smile back, but what startles me was when two strong tan arms wrap themselves around my waist and push me against their chest. He buried his head into my golden locks, and tightens his hold. "Y-Yuri" I burble. I was already burning 10 shades of scarlet.
He let me go and I literally scamper as far away as possible. "You smell exactly like my mother Wolfram, sunshine.
"W-where is she?" I asked. "She's in heaven with my father, laughing and smiling." He answers easily, but I think deep down it's hurting him in every way. "What about yours?"
"She's death, and my father left us before I was born, so I never met him" I couldn't look him in the eyes right now; I'd probably break down and start crying and look weak.
He took me by my chin and looked me in the eyes "You can cry if you want to" then wraps his warm arm around me. I did the same and curl my arms around his neck. Finally, I have a shoulder to cry on.
I don't know how long we continue this until a tall purple hair person walk into the room; his expensive clothes obviously means he's one of the lords living at the castle. He stared at us, and then his nose begins to bleed like a river!
"Your, your..." "It's Yuri my lord" Yuri yell, he looked nervous; did he do something he wasn't allow to? He begin taking my by the hand and dragging me toward the door.
I pull my hand back which startle Yuri, and bow my head at the lord. Whatever he did; I know it was to protect me. "I'm sorry, my lord if my friend Yuri did anything wrong. I was just leaving."
Yuri sends the noble death glares from the corner of my eyes, which shut him right up. If Yuri was just any trader, he'd be beheaded for being so rude to royalty. Who are you really Yuri?
We both hurried out of the room and went straight to the healer. I found out her name is Miss Gisela, the person that heal me; I thank her many times for what she did and promise that one day I'll repay her.
She convince Yuri I was healthy enough to be release, but I should rest for the next couple of weeks, 'or else'. I'm more afraid of her than Yuri when he was furious at me. She seem like a very kind-hearted person, but I don't want to know what the 'or else' threat is or what she would do to me if I disobey, so I quickly nod.
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I rode with Yuri on his horse toward my house which is about ½ an hour horse ride, but we barely talk along the way. When we finally arrive at the hut, he just stares at it than at me.
"Yeah," I just couldn't look at him; now he knows how poor I really am "I can get off by myself, thank you for everything Yuri, really."
I took a couple of steps toward the shack until something pull at my wrist.
"Wolfram, you know I don't care if you're poor or not. What matters is that you have a humble soul." He looks at me in the eyes, but instead of sadness, I actually saw a hint of happiness in them.
We walked toward the shack, hand in hand. I wander how my brothers will react once they found out I'm not actually dead. I open the door but the scene in front of me shocks me to no ends.
A crying Conrad and tearful Gwendal sat on the floor sobbing together over my death. When they saw me their first instant was to rush up and swallow me whole.
"Wolfram" both brothers cried, encircling me with their heavy arms. "A-are you death?" ask Gwendal, while Conrad was too afraid to know the answer.
"No, I'm still alive." Yuri here saved me. I started to explain to them about how Yuri found me, and took me to the castle, how the castle's healer heal my wound, and that I'm still alive. Both of them listen full heartily, clinging to every words I say, and that I wasn't just a hallucinations.
Afterward both Gwendal and Conrad thank Yuri for saving my life and that if there was anything they could do to make it up to him. Gwendal even gave him a pack on the back. But, of course he just said that he was grateful for saving someone as modest as me.
"What's this" I ask. Yuri took out a blue pendant from his neck and handed toward me just seconds ago. It looks important and it looks bluer than the sky, I was hypnotized by the color.
"It was given to me by my mother; I want you to have it. Don't lose it" he warned.
"What! I can't accept that Yuri. Your mother gave it to you. What if I lose it?"
Don't lose it then. And I'm giving it to you because you're important to me" he remark. I could feel my checks burning by his words.
He started mounding his horse before I could even thank him. "Yuri. Thank you" and I wrap my arm around his shoulders bringing him close to my chest.
Yuri's POV
I woke up before the sun could make its way across the horizon line and got out of my comfortable bed. My toes touch the clod rigid floor and I immediately felt shivers up my spines. But, I didn't want to be late, so I quickly walk to the bathroom put on my disuse, and clean myself up for the new day.
Yesterday was like a dream, a dream that I never want to wake up from, and if our relationship progress the ways things are now, he's as good as mines. Yes, all mine, that bought a sneaky smirk on my ever-so-innocence face.
"Good morning Shibuya" wave the Sage. "Good morning Murata" I wave back.
"Well you look awfully happy today, so did you finally get a girlfriend?" I sent death glares at him "As if, those snobby princesses aren't worth my time." I grab an orange from the countertop, and begin eating away.
"Where are going in such a hurry. Usually you're so calm, and you didn't even eat the breakfast the kind maids made for you."
"Murata, my friend, I got a job" with enough said I walk toward the door.
Wolfram wait for me.