Author's note: This chapter is dedicated to Sawyer Fan. Honestly without you this probably would never have been posted, so thanks! Also the intruder in this chapter is supposed to be referred to as an "it" to not give away the gender. As always please let me know about typos/confusion. Sorry this chapter has taken sooo long, it was hard to write. But it's longer at least!
Warning: I think damn is written like three times.. so cursing? Also developed malexmale relationship, and drug use.
Disclaimer: I don't own KKM sadly.
The boy and girl clad in rags raced barefoot through the caves. Their breaths echoed loudly in the darkness as they felt along the walls, attempting to navigate the labyrinth by touch. The air, freezing away from the surface of the world, made the boy wrap his arm protectively around the young girl tighter as she shivered.
So close, just so close to freedom.
As they traveled farther through twists and turns they kept track of the time, for they had no precious seconds to waste. The girl, frantic in her need to reach their destination, almost fell down a steep abyss when the floor gave way under her feet.
"Careful, Mira!" The boy hissed and grabbed her arm to pull her away from danger. He cautiously guided them away from the steep ledge and found the tiny entrance way to the main cavern. The two children crawled into the entrance way and slunk into the claustrophobic area, using their hands to make sure the floor above them continued.
Finally, the boy saw the orange light of a lantern up ahead, and he sighed with relief that they weren't too late. He winced when he heard his sister's shallow pants behind him and hated that he was forced to push her this hard when she was so sick. The tunnel around them suddenly widened and the children came out into a huge underground cavern.
Lanterns were lit in intervals along the oval walls. The roof of the cave was so high above their heads that the light didn't illuminate it far enough, giving the impression of impossible darkness pressing down on their heads. Tunnel entrances gaped menacingly from all location around the cavern, and the boy realized how lucky they were to make it here from the impossible maze. In the center was a huge ceremonial sun dial etched into the stone floor. The swirling lines of the dial had fire running along them, drawing the children's eyes to the decoration. The boy mused that the fire was lit by oil that was poured into the floor, and not as impressive as it would be if it were lit by magic alone.
The children had their arms wrapped around each other while their hearts beat with the fear that a monster would jump out at any minute.
Damnit. Where is he? He said he'd be here!
The boy looked worriedly down at his younger sister. Her face was pale and covered in a light sheen of sweat. Her body was shaking and she looked like she could barely keep her eyes open.
"Brother, we made it right?" She whispered. "Everything's going to be fine now like you said?"
The boy nodded and clutched her tighter, unable to meet her gentle gaze.
A cloaked figure suddenly appeared in the center of the flames causing the children to flinch. The face was hidden by the hood and the robe was engraved with a dragon, that seemed to writhe in the flickers of the fire.
"Did you complete your assignment?" The voice rasped. The boy stepped in front his little sister bravely. "We did. We went to the Demon Kingdom and completed what you asked."
The obscure figure was silent. "Well then, what are you waiting for boy? Give me the full report."
Taking a deep breath, to tamp down on his anger the boy gritted his teeth and replied, "My sister and I got into the castle of the Great Demon Kingdom. Nobody has any idea who we are or suspects us. Your liaison inside found a way to contact us, and slipped a note that Lord von Bielefeld is currently healing. The Demon King hasn't left his side. Also, they are suspecting that it has something to do with the black crystals. Your contact stated that the Prince Consort was telling the Demon King all about Agrona."
The man hummed in the back of his throat. "I see. And did my contact say anything about the infiltration status?"
"Yeah, apparently there are some logistics to work out. The contact said to tell you that it's not wise to send in troops. You need to make the Demon King weaker or it's not going to work because he has been accessing his power more frequently and alarmingly than ever." The boy recited, having read that damn note until the words pounded into his skull.
The fire rose slightly higher and the heat blasted in the children's faces. "Well then, I was hoping that they would manage to be farther along in the plan than this. I may need to stir things up. Wouldn't want things to become too dull, do we?" The man drawled.
Fed up, the boy's fist tightened and he glared at the man in disgust. This had nothing to do with his family and he couldn't care less about an insane man's plans. "Alright, we did everything you asked. Now give my sister her medicine." The boy demanded.
The figure tilted his head to the side and asked, "What medicine?"
"Don't lie!" He shouted in hatred. "You promised you would make her better! You said that if we did this job, you would give her what she needs." His sister whimpered in pain, and clutched at her throat.
"Ah, now I understand." The man whispered in condescension. He glided out of the ring of fire and stopped in front of the two children. Reaching into his long sleeve he pulled out a small pouch. He quickly pulled open the drawstring tie and dumped the contents on the ground by their feet.
The young girl immediately scrambled forward in a frenzy and started gulping down the black shards on the cave floor, her hands feeling out every last crumb. Fighting back a gag of revulsion the boy bent down and helped her gather the crystals.
The man let out a hair-raising laugh and tilted his head back, hands spread out to the sides. "There you go, my little worms. There you go. All hail the Phoenix." He kicked the side of the boy on all fours creating a satisfying yelp of pain and crunch of bones.
The boy seethed up at the towering 'god' and spat, "All hail the Phoenix."
The royal family of the Great Demon Kingdom was seated around a round table having a quiet breakfast. Sunlight streamed into the room from the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the front lawn of the castle.
Greta was bursting with happiness at seeing her beloved Papa Wolf looking so healthy. She had constantly worried for him after hearing of the attack, but had been asked to stay away while the injury was healed just enough for it to not be gruesome. He was looking so much better than when she last saw him, asleep in bed with Yuuri curled carefully around him. She hadn't stayed long, not wanting to disrupt the fleeting peace that they had found for a moment. She stole another glance at Wolfram, her attention not completely on Yuuri's funny story of his time spent procuring a wheelchair for Wolfram on his other world.
The Prince Consort was slightly slouched from his usual elegant posture and a hand was casually held to his injury. While his golden face was slightly grimaced from pain, he appeared very stable and strong. She glanced back to her other father, who appeared to be consumed with positive energy, no doubt brought on by the relief of having the three of them together again.
Greta's hands trembled on her fork as she delicately brought her food to her mouth. She was consumed with butterflies and her nerves were finally getting the best of her.
Come on, don't be a coward. You promised yourself you would tell them as soon as Papa Wolf was better.
She took a deep breath, squeezed her eyes shut and told them.
"You WHAT?" Yuuri yelled as he choked on the food in his mouth. Her other father's glare became more pronounced but he couldn't say anything because he had to pound his fist on Yuuri's back to open his airways.
Greta took another calming breath, I knew they would react like this, and repeated herself. "Fathers, I want to be allowed to court a boy." She watched in dismay as Wolfram and Yuuri shared a look of shock and protective anger.
"But you can't date boys, Greta! You're aren't any where near old enough and besides.. you're still daddy's baby girl!" Yuuri wailed.
Greta fought off a wince that came with the feeling that she had disappointed her father. She straightened her shoulders and met his black eyes as calmly as she could.
I am fourteen years old, for the Great One's sake, I can be allowed to like a boy. She reminded herself sternly. Don't back down now.
Wolframs hand tightened on his knife and Greta could swear flames were reflecting in those piercing emerald eyes. However, Wolfram seemed to keep his anger in check for once as Yuuri ranted about how boys were evil and Greta should never ever date them.
"Greta," Wolfram interjected with relative calm, "What brought this on? Is there a boy that you like?"
Jumping on the chance to get a word in, Greta nodded eagerly. "Yes Papa Wolf. He's such a gentleman, you both would like him if you met him. I-" Greta cleared her throat with a cough before quietly adding, "I think I love him."
Wolfram and Yuuri both flinched and shared another glance.
"Just who is this boy?" Wolfram demanded, narrowing his green eyes. Yuuri put his head in his hands and moaned in sadness.
"His name is Alphonse! He lives in the castle too and he's really kind." Greta let a little frustration and self-mockery bleed into her voice. "Look, I don't even know if he likes me, I just thought I would tell you. I mean he probably just wants to be my friend and I'm reading way too much into it, but I really want to at least ask him if he likes me too."
"No you can't, Greta! You're going to be locked into your room until you're thirty-" Yuuri began his rant, the king clearly becoming more agitated.
"You're right, Greta." Wolfram interjected over the king's order. He sighed as his family stared at him with gaping mouths and wide eyes. Greta finally snapped out of her stupor and pinched herself to see if she was dreaming. "Really?" She squealed rather childishly.
Yuuri glared at the traitorous blonde demon. "Yeah Wolfram, really?" Wolfram rolled his eyes at the look of betrayal Yuuri was giving him. Honestly, the king really needed to stop being such a wimp! Greta was only a year younger than when Yuuri became demon king and betrothed. It wasn't like he wanted to see their daughter grow up either.
Wolfram was supporting Greta because of the fracture behind the girl's the cheerful mask, it was filled with pain that was familiar to Wolfram. After all, he had dealt with his fair share of that pain and feeling of unworthiness when it came to his own fiance, before he ever thought Yuuri would love him back. Even though Yuuri returned his love and married him, Wolfram still remembered the ache of not knowing if he was good enough for the double black. He never wanted his daughter to feel the same sense of neglect and rejection. If what Greta needed was his and Yuuri's support in finding love, then so be it. In his heart, Wolfram only wanted his daughter to find the same true love he and Yuuri found, and if he had to smack the double black until Yuuri agreed with him then so be it.
Greta began bouncing in her seat, unable to contain her excitement despite her desire to display her maturity. "You guys will love him, I just know it! He's so polite and kind and humble-"
Wolfram interrupted the princess before Yuuri could combust in rage and despair. "Greta, how about you invite him to dinner with us sometime? That way your fathers can meet him and decide if he's worthy of you or not." Wolfram made a mental note to ask Conrad and Gwendel if they know any soldiers who had a son named Alphonse.
Barely able to contain her delight at this understanding that she was not expecting from the blonde demon, and unwilling to push her luck further, Greta beamed and agreed. "I would love to, I'll ask him today!"
Wolfram eyed the double black who appeared to have reached his limit in this conversation. "Greta, how about you tell Lady Cecilie about your new friend, I'm sure she'd love to hear about it." Wolfram cringed internally about the advice that his mother would give the princess about boys. He prayed that the 'free love' enthusiast would keep in mind that Greta was still a young girl.
Greta bounded out of her seat immediately, "Of course! I'll tell Lady Celie right now!" She raced out of the room before Wolfram could change his mind and take back the incredible offer.
Once she was gone, Yuuri immediately turned on his husband. "Wolf! What the heck was that about? All of a sudden you're suddenly alright with our daughter liking some boy we don't even know?" Yuuri glared at the blonde waiting for an answer. This was completely unlike the fiery demon, he was normally on the same page as him!
Wolfram shifted in his seat, mostly to alleviate the pain in his injury. "Oh come on Yuuri! She's fourteen years old. In the Demon Kingdom she's technically old enough to get engaged if she wants to." He rolled his eyes when he saw Yuuri bristle with outrage. "Yuuri, if we aren't supportive of her first crush then she might rebel and run off with this boy. As her parents it is our duty to both protect her from dangers and support her as she grows up."
"Greta would never do that!" Yuuri shouted in denial. Wolfram raised his hand and placed it on Yuuri's cheek, thumb stroking soothingly. He saw the stress lines in the king's black eyes and knew that most of his anger was coming from something else.
"What else is going on, Yuuri?" Wolfram asked gently, his hand moving to tangle in the double black's hair. Yuuri tilted his head at the contact and closed his eyes, before snapping them open again. "Nothing is going on! The only thing I'm worrying about is Greta!" He declared shoving away from the table and standing. Wolfram leaned his head on the back of his chair and watched warily as the king began to pace.
"Are you sure?" He hated that Yuuri internalized all his dark emotions under his mask of cheerfulness until they bubbled up and he broke down from the stress. Usually, Yuuri would reveal his doubts and fears in the middle of the night, and woke Wolfram up to confide in him. Wolfram didn't mind losing sleep to comfort his love, despite his mock annoyance when he was awoken. Especially at times like this he wished Yuuri would wake him up more often, if only to give the king peace of mind.
Yuuri rubbed his hands in his dark hair harshly, making them stand every which way. Wolfram ignored the stirrings in his lower abdomen at Yuuri's appearance that only occured right after lovemaking and focused on getting answers out of Yuuri. "Come on, wimp. Out with it."
Yuuri paused and stared straight ahead of him, body facing away at an angle so that Wolfram could only see his profile. Then the king spun around and plastered a mimic of his usual grin that wouldn't make it to his eyes. "Don't worry about me, Wolf, I swear I'm alright. This whole thing with Greta and her-" Yuuri twisted his face in a grimace, "friend really bothers me." Yuuri walked back to the table and scooted his chair closer to the blonde before sitting and resting his head on Wolfram's uninjured shoulder.
He sighed wearily and Wolfram lifted his arm to run it through the black hair to help him relax. "I just feel so twisted up inside, and it doesn't help that my other half is making appearances more often than normal. It kinda freaks me out that I don't have control over myself, you know?" Yuuri closed his eyes as Wolfram tilted his head to rest it on top of his.
He felt the chuckle run through Wolfram's body and he snorted in disbelief. Trust Wolfram to laugh when he was pouring his heart out, oh well, at least he wasn't falling asleep- yet. "Oh Yuuri, you shouldn't be surprised that the Demon King is making an appearance, he tends to do that when it concerns me." Wolfram's voice was pleasant, accepting, even when Yuuri knew that every other spouse would've run away in fear at the thought of being subjugated to the Demon King's uncontrolled personality.
"I love him, Yuuri, because he's you. Just a less, er, wimpier you." Now Yuuri was unable to contain his laughter, feeling the unique type of relaxation that only Wolfram's type of reassurance mixed with insults could bring. Honestly, he didn't know what he would ever do without his Consort, he probably would've sank into the depths of insanity a long time ago. Yuuri and Wolfram drifted into their own thoughts for a while, allowing themselves to just be close to each other in peace. Yuuri came back to awareness when a random thought crossed his mind.
"Hey Wolf?" He asked, startling the blonde out of a light doze who raised his head and blinked bleary emerald eyes at Yuuri. Unable to contain himself Yuuri leaned forward and kissed the prince consort on the lips, his hand coming up to tangled in silky blonde hair. "Mmm," Wolfram murmured into the king's mouth as Yuuri ran his tongue lightly against his lips. Yuuri felt Wolf's lips curl into a smile before letting himself get lost in the warm cavern of his mouth. Pulling away, Yuuri pressed a gentle kiss onto the blonde's forehead and grinned at the sudden wide awake expression that his husband had.
"We have to move from these chairs, remember what Gisela said about putting too much pressure on your side? You need to lie down and relax." Wolfram lightly shoved the double black and rolled his eyes playfully.
"For the love of the Great One, I'm not some damsel in distress." Yuuri reached out to help lift the blonde from his seat into the wheelchair parked nearby that Yuuri had retrieved from Japan the previous day. Wolfram swatted his assisting hands grumpily, a dignified pout on his face and rose into the wheelchair on his own. For all the fuss that Wolfram had made when Yuuri showed him the black contraption, even he had to admit it was easier on the wounded. Annisina was now designing her own replica to have around for injured soldiers in the medical ward.
"Yuuri, you know you have to give Greta your approval, right? Your opinion means the world to her and it's not fair to keep babying her forever." A wide grin suddenly spread across Wolfram's face.
"After all, we couldn't want her to get betrothed and start forcing her way into the poor boy's bedroom every night, would we?'" Wolfram couldn't help but add teasingly, sometimes he couldn't resist irritating the double black and no one was better at it than he was.
Yuuri opened his mouth to respond when outside the dining room window, he spotted soldiers clad in green steadying their horses, swords slung on their belts. "What is going on?' He exclaimed, causing Wolfram to raise his head and follow the king's gaze to the window.
"Looks like Gwendel is readying the cavalry, something must be wrong this doesn't look like a practice exercise."
Jaw clenching, and black eyes narrowing, Yuuri grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and quickly rolled Wolfram out of the room and down the hall.
Unbelievable. Just what is Gwendel thinking? I thought I was supposed to be the king around here… so why is it that everyone else seems to know what's going on and I don't?
Passing by guards posted along the corridor, Yuuri quickly made the necessary turns until they reached the front of the castle. The cool, ominous air wafted Yuuri's face when he wheeled Wolfram outside and out into the army's gathering place.
Maneuvering around the rowdy men and prancing horses, Yuuri and Wolfram finally reached the center and spotted Gwendel was pointing at a map sitting atop his stallion. He was barking orders to his second and third command, but was too far away for Yuuri to hear what he had to say. Yuuri was rattled to see Gunter next to him, nodding and listening to what Gwendel was saying.
"Gwendel!" Yuuri shouted authoritatively, "What is going on here?" Wolfram flinched from the sudden loudness of his voice sounding behind him. He stalked quickly over to his chief of state, gathering enough of his power to look menacing but not fully in the Demon King mode.
Gwendel glanced up from his map and paused mid-order at the sight of the king. His facial expression was unfazed and unimpressed by the double black's irritation. Face still set in the imperishable frown, he stared down at Yuuri and Wolfram when they halted in front of his horse. The stationed men around them quieted their conversation in curiosity to hear what their king had to say. Wolfram straightened his posture in the chair even more, obviously hating to show weakness in front of his brother's men.
"We have recently received word that several towns in the kingdom have been attacked. This could be sign that someone is trying to overthrow the Demon Kingdom. I am going to lead my some of my men to one of the villages, while Conrart will lead his men to the other." Gwendel gave a quick scan of his surroundings, to gauge if his troops were prepared to ride or not.
"Gunter, keep an eye on Saralegui. I want to know if he so much as breathes wrong, understood?" Gunter nodded once in answer. "Consider it done."
"I'm coming with you." Yuuri's voice was calm, but completely serious. He was the king of this castle, and he would protect his people no matter what.
"Your Majesty-" Gunter began to plead anxiously, silver eyes begging the double black to stay in safety.
"I will not allow it." Gunter growled, his horse beginning to shift in place. "You are the king, and we cannot spare any men to be your guard. Even now, we are wasting time when people are being slaughtered. This is an obvious ploy to lure you out, maybe to even get through the lessened castle security to get to the Prince Consort." Wolfram's head jerked back in shock, before a scowl set across his face.
Wolfram glared at his older brother with indignation. "Gwendel, even injured I can still protect myself and look after the castle. You know I would die before I would let us be conquered! If Yuuri wants to go let him," Wolfram gave a proud wave of his hand, "I can handle things here."
Yuuri reached forward, grabbed the blond locks and gave a firm yank. "Nobody's dying, Wolfram. You hear me?" Wolfram snorted and crossed his arms.
Gwendel suddenly pulled up on the reins, and ordered, "Enough of this. I will not allow our king to throw his life away because he wants to play hero, I am leading my men to take care of the situation now. If things become out of our control, we will send for you, Yuuri, but I'm done discussing it." He pulled his horse around and began to spur him into a gallop. "Move out!"
Yuuri and Wolfram began coughing and squinting as clouds of dust and dirt were kicked up from the horses hooves. Yuuri pressed closer to Wolfram's chair as the soldiers narrowly maneuvered around them, caught up in the excitement of the ride and oncoming fight. Finally, the vibrations in the ground began to fade as the last of the men exited the castle grounds.
Gunter turned to face the king, Yuuri had lost track of him in the stampede, and smiled with fake cheerfulness. "Oh Your Majesty, lets get you inside shall we? It was so noble of you to stand your ground to protect this castle. Oh it brings tears to my eyes!"
Yuuri sighed and began turning Wolf's chair to head back inside. "I'm not stupid, Gunter. There's something going on, isn't there? I want a full report after I get Wolfram to lie down." Wolfram jerked his head up from where it was slumped on his arm. "I'm fine Yuuri! I deserve to listen in on what's happening, don't you dare put me to bed like some sort of child!" Yuuri wheeled the indignant blonde inside the main corridor, Gunter following close behind.
"I know." Yuuri murmured gently. "I'll fill you in later on everything I promise. Gisela did say that you can only be up and about for short intervals only. I don't want to re-injure yourself." Wolfram gave a snarl and tried leaning his head back to glare at Yuuri, however Yuuri could see in his eyes that the blonde's pain had grown and only force of will was allowing him to remain awake.
The double black continued to wheel his consort into the royal chambers and ignored further complaints, stopping by the bed and lifting the exhausted blonde out. Gunter remained slightly outside of the door, unwilling to disturb the royal couple.
Yuuri situated the bed sheets and pillows, while Wolfram shifted into a comfortable position. As expected, as soon as the blonde's head touched the pillow he was out like a light. The double black leaned over and kissed his cheek before softly whispering, "Love you." A smile stretched across his face as he allowed himself to gaze at his consort for a few minutes, Wolfram completely relaxed was a rare sight.
Sadly, his mood soured as soon as he left the room and shut the door quietly behind him. Gunter was still waiting on him, leaning against the wall and giving instructions to the two guards that remained on stand-by near the royal chamber at all times. Yuuri gave a quick scan of their faces- no one he recognized- before giving his full attention to his trusted advisor, "Alright, let's talk. Tell me everything you know."
A figure stood around the corner, observing the demon king and the silver-haired man talking in the hall before both of them began walking in the opposite direction. Due to past knowledge on the demon king, the spy believed that they were headed to the king's office for a briefing. Giving a complete scan of the surroundings, the mole casually made it's way down the hall and past the two guards stationed. Putting a hand to the door calmly, the spy waited with baited breath to see if anyone would question the action. When no one shouted, "Traitor!" The spy walked in and shut the door behind it, and saw the chance that it had been waiting for. The Prince Consort lay sprawled on the bed, sweat shining on his forehead while his chest rattled with pants. He appeared to be in pain, and that his body had shut down to heal. The mole sauntered over to the bedside, withdrawing a small pouch from it's pocket.
The pouch was poured onto a pale hand and it's contents were held up to the natural sunlight. Black rocks mashed down into powder glimmered with faint minerals of silver. Shoving down any feelings of remorse the deed might have brought, the intruder reached out a hand to open the consort's mouth. Pouring the powder while keeping his jaw open was difficult, and the blonde quickly began gagging in his sleep when it hit the back of his throat. Retreating immediately, the mole shoved the remaining contents back into it's pocket, and stalked over to the door and pulled it open. The blonde started to cough violently, waking him from sleep. The figure darted out the door before emerald eyes could spot it, and walked down the hall without looking back.